The Plus500 Brumbies round six Super Rugby fixture against the Sunwolves will be relocated to WIN Stadium in Wollongong after SANZAAR announced sporting matches in Japan had been cancelled for the next two weeks due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns.
The sides were due to meet in Osaka on March 8 but the match will now take place at 2:45pm on Friday March 6 before the NSW Waratahs host the Chiefs at the same venue later that night.
The Japanese Government have requested the cancellation of sporting events in the country for the next two weeks with specific mention of the Japanese professional sports leagues.
The decision was made by SANZAAR after consultation with relevant stakeholders including broadcasters, with a move to Wollongong the most appropriate outcome considering the tight timeframe.
Consideration was given to hosting the match in the Brumbies region but however due to broadcast and commercial implications this wasn't possible.
However all Brumbies members will be given free admission into the stadium on presentation of proof of membership.
Plus500 Brumbies CEO, Phil Thomson said: “The decision to move the game from Osaka to Wollongong was made based on the advice received by SANZAAR from the Japanese Government."
"The number one priority is the health and wellbeing of all players and staff and making sure there's no risk of potential exposure to the virus.
"The Brumbies are looking forward to being able to play in Wollongong next week and it would be great to see as many of our supporters as possible start the Canberra Day long weekend early and make the trip down to WIN Stadium."
The Plus500 Brumbies will take on the Sunwolves in round six at WIN Stadium in Wollongong next Friday afternoon at 2:45pm.
