Decision on the fate of Tokyo Olympics to be made in May

A decision on the fate of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is set to be made in May as sporting authorities monitor the spread of the coronavirus.

International Olympic Committee member, Dick Pound says that a decision on the fate of the Olympics would likely be left as late as May and if the virus is still a threat, the global event would have to be cancelled.

Already the virus has forced the cancellation of a host of events in China, where the disease began, and surrounding countries.

The virus has currently claimed more than 2,700 lives around the world and there is believed to be more than 80,000 confirmed cases in 41 countries and territories.

Much of the concern surrounds Asia, including the epicentre in China as well as surrounding countries including Japan, who have been forced to cancel a whole range of events in the wake of the ongoing crisis.

In Super Rugby, the Brumbies, Reds and Waratahs all have upcoming Japanese trips to face the Sunwolves, while the Rebels already travelled to Japan and back in the opening round of the competition.

SANZAAR is monitoring the situation closely and teams have been or will be briefed on the disease before travelling to Japan as the season continued.

Should any Super Rugby games be cancelled, teams will split the competition points, which could have major ramifications come finals time.

The Hong Kong and Singapore Sevens were postponed until October earlier this month, leaving the world's Sevens teams with limited Olympic preparation.

Meanwhile, Ireland's Health Minister has also called for the cancellation of the upcoming Ireland vs Italy rugby match due to outbreak fears.

The virus has currently claimed more than 2,700 lives around the world and there is believed to be more than 80,000 confirmed cases in 41 countries and territories.

Much of the concern surrounds Asia, including the epicentre in China as well as surrounding countries including Japan, who have been forced to cancel a whole range of events in the wake of the ongoing crisis.

[Source: rugby.com.au]