The league is the premier club competition in the southern hemisphere and features teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Japan.

South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina Rugby (SANZAAR), who run the competition, said they had "no option" but to make the move.

It followed an announcement from New Zealand's Government which has declared that all returning travellers will have to self-isolate for 14 days.

Five of the 15 Super Rugby teams are from New Zealand, and players would not be exempt from the rules.

A clash yesterday between Argentina's Jaguares and New Zealand's Highlanders in Buenos Aires was also cancelled due to player welfare concerns.

"The safety and welfare of the public, our players and other stakeholders is paramount and as previously stated we were always going to abide by Government and health authority instructions on the issue of COVID-19 containment," said SANZAAR chief executive Andy Marinos.

"We are extremely disappointed for the players, our fans, broadcasters and partners but given the complexity of our competition structure, and the multiple geographies that we cover, we have no other option but to align with such directives. 

"We also believe it is time for all those players currently overseas to return home and to be with their families.

"Our priority is, therefore, to ensure our players are within their home territories from the end of this weekend. 

"SANZAAR will also remain engaged with its stakeholders and will continue to explore avenues to see if we can keep the rugby product alive within our core markets, with the possibility to be in a position to resume the tournament if at all possible in future weeks. 

"We have currently played seven rounds out of the 18 in the normal regular season."

Japan's Tokyo-based Sunwolves side are currently contesting their last Super Rugby season as financial constraints meant a deal for their continuation could not be reached.

If the 2020 campaign is not resumed the team, partly created to help promote rugby in Japan before last year's World Cup in the country, will have already played their last match.

Coronavirus has now decimated the global sporting calendar with major events and leagues all grinding to a halt.