The Super Rugby competition will be suspended for the foreseeable future beyond this weekend due to coronavirus.
SANZAAR released a statement last night confirming the decision after the New Zealand government introduced new tighter travel regulations.
It is expected that the suspension would be for a minimum of two weeks with the fate of the competition this season unclear.
The statement said “Following a SANZAAR Executive Committee (EXCO) teleconference in response to the announcement by the New Zealand Government that all returning travellers will have to self-isolate for 14 days, including Super Rugby players, SANZAAR believes it has no option but to suspend the 2020 Super Rugby tournament at the conclusion of this weekend’s matches for the foreseeable future,”
SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos said the safety and welfare of the public, players and other stakeholders are paramount and as previously stated we were always going to abide by government and health authority instructions on the issue of COVID-19 containment.
He says they are extremely disappointed for the players, fans, broadcasters, and partners but given the complexity of the competition structure, and the multiple geographies that they cover, they have no other option but to align with such directives.
He says they also believe it is time for all those players currently overseas to return home and to be with their families.
Marinos said their priority is, therefore, to ensure our players are within their homes territories from the end of this weekend.
The New Zealand Government has issued a directive for all travellers entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days due to the threat of coronavirus.
Looking at results of Round 7 matches, the Hurricanes edged the Chiefs 27-24, the Blues thrashed the Lions 43-10, the Crusaders thrashed the Sunwolves 49-14 while the Sharks beat the Stormers 24-14.
The Waratahs will meet the Brumbies at 5.05pm today.
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