A whistle to be used in the Rugby World Cup opening match between Japan and Russia at Tokyo Stadium on Sept. 20 (Shiro Nishihata)
The start of Japan’s Top League rugby union competition has been delayed due to COVID-19 outbreaks at several clubs, the league and Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) said on Thursday.
The competition had been due to start this weekend but with 10 positive tests at Kobe Steelers on Thursday taking the total to 67 league-wide, organizers said they were now aiming for a mid-February start.
Last year’s season was cancelled entirely because of the pandemic.
“Japan Rugby Football Union and Top League have had discussions and we want to do everything we can to have this year’s Top League season,” said JRFU Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
The competition had been due to start this weekend but with 10 positive tests at Kobe Steelers on Thursday taking the total to 67 league-wide, organisers said they were now aiming for a mid-February start.
Last year s season was cancelled entirely because of the pandemic. Japan Rugby Football Union and Top League have had discussions and we want to do everything we can to have this year s Top League season, said JRFU Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi.
Organisers said they were yet to finalise a new start date and whether the format needed to be changed because of time restrictions and safety precautions.