Beijing Falcon To Fly Home Early

By MAlly (28/03/03)
March 28 2003

Newcastle Falcons' Phil Dowson will be returning home early after all as the International Rugby Board today announced the cancellation of the Beijing Sevens.

Dowson is currently taking part in the Hong Kong Sevens and was set to remain with the England Sevens squad for the Beijing torunament on April 5th and 6th. Jamie Noon, who is also in the England squad in Hong Kong was to return ready to take part in Falcons next club match against Gloucester.

The Beijing Sevens would have been Round Six in the 2002/2003 IRB Sevens. According to the IRB statement the possible spread of the SARS virus, which has already killed several people, has "forced" the cancellation of the tournament.

"Medical advice, together with the latest information received from the World Health Organisation (WHO), that the possibility of the transmission of SARS on board flights cannot be ruled out, left the IRB with no alternative but to cancel the tournament."

The International Rugby Board's CEO Mike Miller reportedly said it was the "only choice available" and the decision was not taken lightly in view of "Beijing’s importance in the worldwide development of Rugby".

"The Chinese Rugby Union has worked tirelessly to stage this event and we greatly appreciate their efforts. However, the welfare of the players is paramount and as a responsible governing body this was the only choice open to us however regrettable it may be."

A mystery virulent disease had threatened the staging of Hong Kong Sevens tournament, as France, Italy and Argentina all withdrew, however with Namibia, Tonga and Netherlands prepared to replace these teams the Hong Kong tournament went ahead.

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Falcons Fly Out to Hong Kong Sevens