The Tonga Women’s side has withdrawn from the 2019 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championships.

The decision was made in Nadi yesterday following consultations by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.

After evaluating the test results of the suspected measles case earlier this week, the collective decision made by the health authorities was to quarantine the Tonga team for a total period of 18 days.

Acting Head of Health Protection for the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr. Aalisha Sahukan says the risk of infection through contact was deemed too high for the Tongan players to participate in the tournament.

Executive Member of Oceania Rugby Cathy Wong says the health and safety of the team and the general public is the uttermost priority for everyone involved.

In light of the tournament being a qualifying tournament for the 2021 Rugby World Cup, an announcement will be made by World Rugby in due course regarding Tonga’s withdrawal.

Meanwhile, in today’s matches, Australia A will take on the New Zealand Development at 1:30pm while the Fijiana 15s meet Samoa at 4pm.

Both games will be played at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

(Source: Oceania Rugby)