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
The debut Global Rapid Rugby season has been the latest sporting event to be called off in response to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
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.
Global Rapid Rugby hits pause due to coronavirus
“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.”
Evans praised those who had worked to make the debut season on the six-team tournament, which includes Hong Kong’s South China Tigers, happen and remained hopeful for the future.
“The work that went into the formation of the 2020 home-and-away season was first-class. We showed in the one round that we were able to play, what an exciting game we have created. The immediate future may be full of uncertainty, but the bigger picture is full of exciting opportunities for rugby in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Evans also thanked GRR’s partners, including the Hong Kong Rugby Union.
The HKRU was forced to reschedule its flagship Hong Kong Sevens tournament from April until October.
