The Crusaders will wear the unusual title of curtain-raisers in round seven of the Super Rugby season, with their match against the Sunwolves relocated out of Japan due to concerns from the global coronavirus outbreak.
The Crusaders were scheduled to meet the Japanese franchise in Tokyo on March 14, but will now play at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, prior to the Reds' match against the Bulls.
This follows the Japanese government's decision to postpone sporting events in the country for at least the next two weeks and ongoing concerns around the world, including within Super Rugby territories, of the potential further spread of the coronavirus.
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The Sunwolves' round six clash against the Brumbies, scheduled to be played in Osaka next Sunday, has also been relocated. The match will now take place at WIN Stadium in Wollongong and will be played prior to the Chiefs' match against the Waratahs at the same venue next Friday.