New Zealand Rugby have confirmed that Round 7 New Zealand-based Vodacom Super Rugby games will go ahead as scheduled despite the coronavirus outbreak.

There are two Super Rugby games scheduled to take place in New Zealand this weekend. The Chiefs host the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday, while the Blues are at home against the Lions in Auckland on Saturday.

While outbreaks of the coronavirus have affected tournaments in Europe and Super Rugby matches in Argentina, New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Friday that Round 7 fixtures will continue as planned.

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‘New Zealand Rugby has consulted with Sanzaar, Eden Park, FMG Stadium and the Ministry of Health and can confirm that the New Zealand hosted Super Rugby matches will continue as normal during Round 7 of the competition,’ the statement read

‘This is also in keeping with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 advice on public events and mass gatherings.

‘We are closely monitoring what’s happening in other sporting codes around the world but are taking our advice from the New Zealand Government.

‘The safety of our players, fans and stakeholders is our paramount consideration and we will continue to work closely with the New Zealand Government, SANZAAR, and our Investec Super Rugby clubs to monitor what is a fast-moving situation.

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‘We advise any rugby fans who are feeling unwell to follow Ministry of Health guidelines and stay away from mass gatherings.’

The Blues will definitely be the big show in town tomorrow at Eden Park.

The decision to push ahead with the game comes from New Zealand Rugby after consultations with SANZAAR, Eden Park, and the Ministry of Health.

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— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) March 13, 2020

Photo: Elias Rodriguez/Getty Images.