The Queensland Reds have announced they have postponed their pre-season match with Japanese Top League champions Panasonic Wild Knights.
The sides were expected to face off in their inaugural match in December after announcing a partnership last year, however, the current COVID situation has made the situation untenable.
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“It is unfortunate we’ve had to postpone our match this year with the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan," Reds General Manager of Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley said.
“I know both organisations take this pandemic seriously and much consideration was made into this decision including player and staff welfare in relation to travel and associated quarantine requirements.
“We remain open to finding an appropriate window between September and December next year to travel to Saitama for our inaugural match and we thank the Wild Knights for their valued partnership and continued support.”
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Wild Knights General Manager Hitoshi Iijima confirmed they will look to reschedule the match next year in order to foster and develop the partnership between the two teams.
“We are grateful the Reds remain interested in travelling to Saitama between September and December in 2022 for the match and we are very hopeful to find the best timing for this opportunity," he added.
“We thank the Queensland Reds for all their efforts and support to Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights so far.”
