Coronavirus: Global Rapid Rugby suspends debut season after one game
- The start-up league, which features the Hong Kong-based South China Tigers, postpones debut season after first round
- The Tigers won their first game in Perth before the shutdown, and GRR gave no timetable for a return to action
Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest’s start-up rugby league – Global Rapid Rugby – has suspended its first full season after playing one round of matches in Australia and Fiji over the weekend.
In a statement, GRR chief executive officer Mark Evans said the coronavirus made it virtually impossible to push ahead.
“Travel, quarantine and public health restrictions have provided us with no option but to halt the inaugural Global Rapid Rugby season for the imminent future,” said Evans.
“The sporting environment has been turned upside down by the current worldwide health crisis.”
Hong Kong’s South China Tigers, who are managed by the Hong Kong Rugby Union, did get one game into the season before the shutdown. They beat Manuma Samoa 52-27 at HBF Park in Perth, Australia, on Saturday.