15 Mar 2020

Highlanders game called off, team to go into isolation

9:21 am on 15 March 2020

This afternoon's Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and Jaguares in Buenos Aires has been cancelled and the New Zealanders will have to self-quarantine on their return home.

Kayne Hammington of the Highlanders, during the Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Sharks, held at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

The Highlanders Kayne Hammington runs with the ball. Photo: Photosport

Yesterday the government said travellers entering the country from midnight Sunday must self-isolate for 14 days due to fears over the coronavirus outbreak.

The Highlanders have confirmed they won't be back in New Zealand until Tuesday.

SANZAAR, who run Super Rugby, have suspended the competition for the foreseeable future, with today's matches between the Highlanders and Jaguares in Argentina and Brumbies and Waratahs in Canberra the last to be played.

The Highlanders match, shceduled for midday (NZT) has now been called off.

The match would have been played at an empty stadium due to the coronavirus.

The result is declared a draw and both teams will earn two competition points.

SANZAAR said the decision was made to ensure the safety of all participants and maintain the integrity of the sport.

"As stated previously while disappointed to be in this position our priority is to ensure the players currently overseas return home healthy and safely to be with their families," Marinos said.