Dec 04 (Kyodo) - The organizers of the national high school rugby tournament said Thursday the annual event will begin as scheduled on Dec. 27 but without spectators in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The decision was made based on the recent rise in the number of infections in Osaka and the risk of spectators coming into contact with participants from across the country. The tournament's 100th edition will include a record 63 teams from Japan's 47 prefectures.
The organizers had already called off the opening ceremony for the annual tournament at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka, which has three grounds. A total of 40 players and staff per team can enter the venue but no parents or guardians.
The principal of each school will have the final say on its participation based on guidance from local government. If a state of emergency is declared by the Osaka prefectural or national government, organizers said they will reconsider holding the event.
The draw for the tournament will be made on Saturday by the organizing committee members and not by the captains of the participating teams as in previous years.
