So what is the impact of the spreading of the Coronaviris on the rugby programs this year,
The Virus has spread to other countries and the threat of further spreading and deaths and disease is a real problem affecting the rugby competitions worldwide. So lets summarize the situation briefly:-
6-Nations
There has been reports that the virus has affected cases in especially Northern Italy and deaths have been reported due to the virus. At this stage there are serious consideration of cancelling of 6-nations matches involving Italy - especially if the matches are to be played in Italy, No finality yet - but matches played in Italy are under threat,
The virus has not yet spread to France, Ireland and the UK - but is a serious threat in those three countries, so we will have to wait and see how it affects the situation at present in those countries.
Rugby Sevens
The Hong Kong and Singapore Sevens tournaments have been postponed and if the present situation continues may not take place his year at all.
Guinness Top 14
Home matches involving Benneton Treviso and Zebre have been postponed and it is uncertain whether they would be played this year at all.
Rugby Champions Cup
There are no Italian teams in the play-off games - so the series is not affected at present.
Super Rugby
The Sunwolves play their home games in Tokyo and Singapore - both Japan and Singapore have been effected by he virus. Those games are in jeopardy,
There has been no evidence of the virus in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and SA as yet. The problem is that especially Australia and New Zealand could be under threat because of their proximity to and close ties with South East Asian countries.
