(Updates with background)
TOKYO, Jan 12 (Reuters) – Two Premier League rugby matches scheduled for this weekend have been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak at three of the clubs involved, the Football Union said. Japan Rugby League (JRFU) Tuesday.
44 players and staff tested positive for the virus, including 13 at Toyota Verblitz, seven at Suntory Sungoliath and 24 at Canon Eagles, forcing them to postpone their opening games of the 2021 season.
Toyota Verblitz and former New Zealand captain Kieran Read had been up against Suntory Sungoliath Beauden Barrett while Ricoh Black Rams was going to play Canon Eagles.
This was the first meeting of the All Blacks in Japan.
The teams have not released the names of those who have tested positive.
Under league policy, the games will no longer be played and will be recorded as draws.
The JRFU said last week that games would be played in front of thousands of fans who had already bought tickets, despite government guidelines restricting the number of people allowed to go. to sporting events.
“We are sorry for our fans who were looking forward to the match,” Premier League Chairman Ota Osamu said in a statement.
Suntory said the holders of their tickets would be reimbursed.
Last year’s Premier League season was completely postponed due to the pandemic. (Reporting by Jack Tarrant; Editing by Peter Rutherford)