Australia to host two Sunwolves games
Wollongong and Brisbane will host the two games
©PA
Australia have been announced as the host for two Super Rugby games next month as the matches were moved out of Japan following the outbreak of coronavirus.
Hanazono Stadium was originally scheduled to host Sunwolves' home game against Brumbies on 6th March in the sixth round while Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium was the venue for their seventh round clash against Crusaders on 14th March.
However, with the Japanese government advising postponement of all the sporting events in the country for the next two weeks, WIN Stadium in Wollongong and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane will be the host for the matches against Brumbies and Crusaders respectively.
“Super Rugby has been very aware of the effect and ongoing concerns around 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 Super Rugby CEO Andy Marinos.
“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.
“The relocation of these matches has involved an incredible amount of detailed logistical and operational work and these efforts reflect the great spirit within the rugby family at times like these".
Sunwolves currently are at the fourth place in the Australian Conference with a solitary win from three games.
