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The Premiership Rugby Cup final between Sale and Harlequins on Sunday has been postponed due to an individual developing symptoms consistent with the new coronavirus.
The Harlequins staff member has since gone into self-isolation, but the match, which was set to be played at Salford's AJ Bell Stadium, has become the latest sporting event in Britain to be axed because of the deadly pandemic.
In a statement, Premiership Rugby said: "Unfortunately, Sunday's Premiership Rugby Cup Final has been postponed following an individual on staff developing symptoms consistent with Coronavirus (Covid-19). The individual is now safely in isolation.
"We're incredibly sorry to all the people who will be disappointed, however the welfare of fans, players and staff remains our first concern, and so we must postpone the game for now."
Harlequins confirmed in a statement that it was one of their staff that has the illness.
"Following on from the postponement of the Premiership Rugby Cup final, Harlequins can confirm that a member of the club's support staff has shown flu-like symptoms," the club said.
"As a precaution they have placed themselves in self isolation, following government-advised best practise and for the welfare of others."
Premier League football was postponed until 3 April on Friday, with the second, third and fourth tiers following suit.
Rugby union has also been hit, with the Wales v Scotland match, set for Saturday, becoming the fourth Six Nations clash to be postponed because of the virus.
All of Sunday's Women's Six Nations fixtures have been cancelled, while the PRO14 competition and all French rugby union have been halted.
Harlequins Chief Executive Laurie Dalrymple said: "The health and wellbeing of our staff, supporters and players is of paramount importance to us. Whilst we know that supporters will naturally be disappointed by the postponement of the final, we also hope they will understand that playing the fixture at this time is not practical.
"We will continue to work closely with Premiership Rugby and the relevant authorities to determine the best way to proceed from this point in order to reschedule the match where possible."
