Sanzaar announced on Friday morning that they have relocated two Vodacom Super Rugby matches that were set to be played in Japan in March due to the risks involved with the Corona virus.

The Sunwolves were scheduled to play the Brumbies in Osaka on Sunday the 8th of March and the Crusaders in Tokyo a week later.

This comes after the Japanese government’s decision to postpone all sporting events in the country for the next two weeks to alter the chances of the virus spreading even further.

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As a result, the two matches will now be played in Australia with the Sunwolves already touring Australasia at the present time.

Their Round 6 clash with the Brumbies will now be played on Friday the 6th of March at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong, prior to the Waratahs vs the Crusaders encounter.

While, they will be in action at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane a week later on Saturday 14 March against the Crusaders prior to the clash between the Reds and the Bulls.

CEO of Super Rugby Andy Marinos said the organisation has been tracking the dangers and effects of the virus and the impact it could have on players and supporters.

‘Super Rugby has been very aware of the effect and ongoing concerns of the corona virus and it was very clear that we had to make changes to the match schedule to conform with Japanese government requirements and health authority directives, and of course to ensure the well-being of our players and management teams, match officials and spectators,’ said Marinos.

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‘For the integrity of the tournament we also believe relocating the matches was the right thing to do regardless of the complexities involved. Due to the fact that the Sunwolves were due in Australia for two matches following the Brumbies and Crusaders matches in Japan, and the availability of stadiums and suitable broadcast windows, the matches have been relocated to Australia.

‘This has enabled us to create a series of double-header matches which we hope will prove popular with rugby fans in Wollongong [Sydney] and Brisbane. I urge fans in both cities to come out and support not only their team but also the Sunwolves who now have an extended stay in Australia.’

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