Japan's League One announced the cancellation of Saturday's clash between Black Rams Tokyo and Red Hurricanes Osaka shortly before kickoff following multiple COVID-19 cases among players and staff from the team based in Osaka.

Thirteen people associated with the team returned positive tests Monday, but after follow-up tests over the next two days, the league initially determined the regular season final-round match could still be played.

But the two teams were unable to agree to terms for the contest at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, blaming a lacking of communication from the league.

The announcement comes a day after Saturday's final-round game between Toyota Verblitz and Tokyo Sungoliath was also called off following a positive coronavirus test and suspected close-contact cases among the Toyota camp.

The cancellation of the game, scheduled for Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium, ended fifth-place Toyota's bid to overtake fourth-place Brave Lupus Tokyo and move into the four-team championship playoffs.

Brave Lupus are now ensured a playoff berth and will play top-ranked Sungoliath, while second-place Saitama Wild Knights will play third-place Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay, who they beat 35-14 on Saturday.