16 Mar 2020

Coronavirus: Major disruptions to Pacific sporting community

1:56 pm on 16 March 2020

The impact of Covid-19 coronavirus continues to cause major disruptions to the Pacific Island sporting community.

Sherysyn Toko at the net against Solomon Islands.

Sherysyn Toko at the net against Solomon Islands. Photo: NZ Volleyball / Julie Maree Photography

Rugby, rugby league, football and beach volleyball are among the latest sports to be affected in the region.

Global Rapid Rugby has suspended its season because of the coronavirus, with the travel, quarantine and public health restrictions introduced by the New Zealand and Australian governments forcing organisers to pull the plug on the multi-nation competition.

The Women's Sevens Challenger Series scheduled to take place in South Africa next weekend has also been postponed, with Papua New Guinea's hopes of qualifying for the World Series now in limbo.

The PNG Hunters rugby league team plan to remain in Australia this week and play their Round 2 Intrust Super Cup match against the Townsville Blackhawks at a neutral venue in South East Queensland.

The Vanuatu women's beach volleyball team will return to Port Vila today after the World Tour event in Coolangatta was postponed because of the virus outbreak.

Meanwhile, an international football tri series between Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tahiti has also been postponed.

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