Jaguares-Highlanders game called off

Coronavirus continues to make a telling impact on Super Rugby, with the Jaguares-Highlanders match in Buenos Aires called off and declared a draw.

The Super Rugby match between the Jaguares and Highlanders has been cancelled in another response to the coronavirus threat, Sanzaar has announced.

An announcement that the round seven match in Buenos Aires had been called off came about five hours before kick-off.

The match would have been played at an empty Jose Amalfitani Stadium following advice from the Argentina government as it bids to stymie the spread of Covid-19.

The result is declared a draw and both teams will earn two competition points.

The decision follows Sanzaar’s decision to suspend the competition indefinitely beyond this weekend, a move sparked by the New Zealand government’s new border restriction regulations, which demand a 14-day isolation period for all arrivals in the country.

It is unclear if the Dunedin-based Highlanders team will return to New Zealand in time to avoid having to undergo mandatory isolation. The measures begin at midnight on Sunday.

A Sanzaar statement said the cancellation was made “following concerns in response to the uncertainty created” by the New Zealand government decision.

Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos said the decision was made to ensure the safety of all participants and maintain the integrity of the sport.

“As stated previously while disappointed to be in this position our priority is to ensure the players currently overseas return home healthy and safely to be with their families,” Marinos said.