The Brumbies’ Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves will be relocated from Osaka due to the coronavirus, with SANZAAR looking for an alternative venue.
The Brumbies’ Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves scheduled for early next month in Osaka is set to be relocated due to the coronavirus.
SANZAAR announced on Thursday morning the Japanese government has requested the cancellation of all sporting events for the next two weeks, which takes in the Brumbies’ match on March 6.
SANZAAR is now working to determine if the Hanazono Rugby Stadium match can be relocated and if this isn’t possible, the teams are set to split the competition points.
“SANZAAR will issue further details on the position of this match and any potential further disruptions in the near future,” the governing body said in a statement.
This follows Ireland’s decision to postpone their Six Nations fixture against Italy, which was due to take place in Dublin on March 7.
Due to the outbreak of the virus in northern Italy the IRFU decided to reschedule with thousands of Italian supporters, many from the regions most affected by the outbreak, expected to make the trip.
The Sunwolves play home games in Japan and Singapore, with the Reds due to play in Tokyo on April 5 with the Waratahs scheduled there on May 8.
The Sunwolves also have back-to-back matches against the Rebels and Waratahs in Australia late next month which could be impacted if there are travel restrictions placed on the Tokyo-based team.
SANZAAR says it’s in regular contact with National Union Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) who have been monitoring their teams.
There’s presently no identified cases of any players, management or match officials presenting symptoms associated with the virus, including the Sunwolves.
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
Sunwolves would have won anyway
allblackfan
Guest
And Sunwolves vs Crusaders at Suncorp before the Reds vs Bulls game!
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Confirmed as 2.45pm kick off on Friday 6th.....I’ve just received my members email confirmation. All Brumbies members get free entry.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
If cancelled both teams should get 4 points. It doesn't really matter to the Sunwolves but it would be totally unfair to the Brumbies who would be expecting a 5 point win.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Behind a paywall, but if it says what I think it says? Shut up and take my money!!
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
This makes perfect sense....... https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6653281/coronavirus-leads-to-brumbies-waratahs-wollongong-double-header/?cs=14280
Nick
Roar Guru
TWAS, Good points - although they aren't all flying up the front of the bus. Rarely are clubs that wealthy that they can afford to do that, and there are few planes that can accommodate that many (the A330s for example only have 28-32 business seats) I've been on a few flights between Sing/Japan with the Super rugby clubs on the plane too - 2nd rowers, props and senior players get preference. The rest in PE/E. As you say, it's down to logistics. Super rugby isn't like the european football leagues where they actively plan for weather related contingencies or replay matches that can throw up a schedule. A 5 country league crossing 4 continents, each side of the equator means rescheduling is a huge task. The impact it could have on the teams the next week after could be hard too (i.e if the Sunwolves have to make two long trips in two weeks).
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
I believe they are thinking of switching the games around, so that the game on the final regular season weekend is in Japan......similar to what they were thinking re the Qld game and the bushfires, except Suncorp Stadium was not available.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think it's also logistics. Flight, accommodation and transfers are booked in advance. Probably treated like reward bookings which have limited availability (as they would sell them much lower than retail cost). Making a booking for 23+ players and staff to travel business class internationally at the last minute can be problematic. It's also around the grounds, What is the rental cost of the alternative venue vs the original venue? How is revenue treated (i.e. which party)? Is a ground available on the day and time that there are no other games (Don't want to compete with yourself)? etc. Plus how is this treated. Would the Brumbies get two home games vs the Sunwolves? If not they basically have a game thrust upon them on short notice which may impact attendance, but then lose the planned home game which may annoy members.
Nick
Roar Guru
Article needs an edit. The opening two paragraphs are essentially the same.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
They are looking at relocating it…including talking to Canberra Stadium and the ACT government. The game is scheduled for Sunday March 8th, at 3.15pm AEDT not 6th as stated in the article…..it would need no change to Foxtel’s scheduling, just the logistics of getting the broadcast team there. Crusaders play in Tokyo the following week, I understand that game may be in jeopardy too.
Aiden
Guest
Can someone smarter than me explain why games can't be relocated. It seems that possible relocation is rarely part of the plan, despite all the things that can go wrong. I have a theory, someone tell me I'm wrong, that its all about TV audiences and insurance. TV has a slot lined up and can't shift the rest of their schedule around easily, especially in prime time when many matches are played, due to contracts that they have with other entities. If you play the game on a different date at a different location, you may lose the TV revenue as you've broken the contract. If you cancel the game, then I bet they are insured for the loss of TV revenue. So financially, cancellation is less problematic even if it annoys fans and messes with the integrity of the competition.
Patto
Guest
Take it to Canberra. Raiders play the 13th at GIO, so it`s free.