(Joel Everson is pictured playing for Southland on Aug. 30, 2015)[Getty/Kyodo]

TOKYO - The Japan Rugby Top League announced Friday that the Hino Red Dolphins have canceled their remaining games for the season following the arrest of one player for illegal drug use.

The team unilaterally acted following Wednesday's arrest of New Zealand-born forward Joel Everson for use of cocaine. Last summer, two players from Top League side Toyota Verblitz were convicted on drug possession charges.

The Red Dolphins had nine games remaining on their schedule, although no Top League club has played since Feb. 23 in an effort to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

The league has yet to announce how the cancellations will be reflected in the standings.

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