SUPER Rugby is trying to find an alternate venue for the ACT Brumbies' clash against the Japan Sunwolves after the Japanese government requested the cancellation of all sporting events.
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The Brumbies, including Berry's Will Miller, were set to fly to Osaka next week for the round six match.
Those plans have been cancelled because of coronavirus concerns, but a new venue is yet to be finalised.
Super Rugby bosses were investigating whether the match could be played at an empty stadium to minimise the infection risks.
It's understood there was also an option to switch Brumbies and Sunwolves' home fixtures, but it's unlikely that will go ahead unless an agreement can be reached with the ACT government and Canberra Stadium.
The Brumbies and Super Rugby have started talks with government officials after the Japense government requested the cancellation of all sporting events for the next two weeks.
That could affect the Sunwolves' next two home games, including the Brumbies' match in Osaka on March 6 and a clash against the Canterbury Crusaders on March 14.
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One option being considered is the Brumbies hosting the Sunwolves in Canberra in March 7, shifting the game from Sunday to Saturday to slot into the capital's calendar.
The Sunwolves will also need a venue for the Crusaders match.
The Sunwolves boast three former Brumbies - Jordan Jackson-Hope, James Dargaville and Ben Hyne - and could be based in Canberra for more than a week after they play the Hurricanes in Napier this weekend.
SANZAAR is working to determine if the Brumbies match can be relocated and if this isn't possible, the teams are set to split the competition points.
The international cross-border nature of the Super Rugby tournament has led SANZAAR to review its playing schedule and to implement specific tournament protocols to minimise any risks of the ongoing effects of the coronavirus," SANZAAR said in a statement.
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"To date the virus has been detected in 30 countries and territories around the world.
"The most concerning to SANZAAR of these are the Sunwolves' home venues in Japan and Singapore where matches are scheduled to be played.
"Presently a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore have placed travel and country entry restrictions on passengers travelling from or through mainland China [the virus epicentre] within 14 days of entry to reduce the potential spread of infection.
"However, at this time travel restrictions into and out of Japan by the respective SANZAAR governments have not been further escalated from their latest positions earlier in the week.
"However, SANZAAR has now been informed that the Japanese Government has requested the cancellation of sporting events in the country for the next two weeks with specific mention of the Japanese professional sports leagues.
"This includes the Sunwolves versus Brumbies match that is scheduled to be played in Osaka on the 6th March.
"SANZAAR has therefore been in communication with all relevant stakeholders regarding the match and advanced discussions have been held to adequately address this recent announcement by the Japanese government.
"SANZAAR is now working to determine if this match can be relocated.
"SANZAAR will issue further details on the position of this match and any potential further disruptions in the near future.
"In terms of the Super Rugby tournament as a whole, management is in regular and close contact with the National Union Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) who have been monitoring teams within their own territories against national health guidelines and health authority directives."