As reported by Kyodo News, the Japan Top League, which had already been on a break because of the pandemic, scrapped plans to resume in April to protect players, fans and the companies which own each of the 16 competing teams.

It also said in a statement that there will be no official league standings for this campaign and that it will consider an alternative way to choose the four teams to contest the play-offs for the All-Japan Rugby Football Championship trophy.

"The global expansion of the coronavirus has prompted many Governments, including New Zealand and Australia, to repatriate their nationals from abroad, resulting in many of our players returning to their home countries," the statement reads.

It added: "As all clubs in Top League are corporate, the impact on companies could be very serious if athletes and staff were to become infected."

Earlier this month, three weekends of matches in the Japan Top League were postponed after a player was arrested on suspicion of using cocaine.

New Zealander Joel Everson, who plays for the Hino Red Dolphins, was arrested for alleged cocaine use, according to Kyodo News.

The league said in a statement that all matches were postponed until March 29.

It made the decision to conduct "thorough compliance education" for all 16 teams.

Hino Red Dolphins decided to cancel the remainder of their games this season following the arrest of Everson.