Coronavirus causes cancellation of Global Rapid Rugby season

First full campaign’s suspension after just one round upgraded to cancellation amid travel restrictions

‘There are global realities and challenges that cannot and should not be ignored or worked around,’ GRR CEO says

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Hong Kong’s South China Tigers in Global Rapid Rugby action. Photo: Global Rapid Rugby

Published: 12:45pm, 7 Apr 2020Updated: 1:44pm, 7 Apr 2020

The debut Global Rapid Rugby season has been the latest sporting event to be called off in response to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Global Rapid Rugby’s first full season was set to run from March to June but only the first round of matches was played before the season was suspended. They have now taken the decision to call off the season completely.

Tournament CEO Mark Evans announced the immediate cancellation of the season in a media statement on Tuesday, citing long-term travel restrictions that left the Asia-Pacific series “no choice” but to cancel.

“All of our decisions around Global Rapid Rugby in 2020 have been based on expert health advice. There are global realities and challenges that cannot and should not be ignored or worked around,” Evans said.

“We have never been scared of hard work or seemingly impossible challenges, but in the current circumstances feel that our hand has been forced to upgrade our previous season one suspension to a complete cancellation. We will continue to work closely with all teams and stakeholders around potential future plans.”