The delayed Japan Top League season will kick off Feb. 20, the league said Friday, with the 16 teams split into two eight-team groups playing seven regular season games before going into a playoff tournament that will include four second-tier teams.

The season, originally scheduled to open last Saturday, was reorganized after the first four rounds were canceled on Thursday. The group-stage will wrap up on April 11. The 19-game playoff tournament will open the following Saturday and run until May 23.

On Thursday, the league reported a total of 68 positive coronavirus tests among players on staff on six different teams.

Most spectators wear masks during a Rugby Top League match in Tokyo on Feb. 22, 2020, amid coronavirus fears. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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