Tonga women's rugby team have been placed in quarantine following a measles outbreak.

The team were hoping to compete at the Oceania Championships in Fiji qualify for 2021 World Cup - but are now out of the tournament. 

Fiji health ministry official said;

"There's a risk that the teams they play against and any other people they come into contact with during the infectious period of the disease could be exposed and develop the disease," said Dr Aalisha Sahukan.
"And those who potentially develop the disease could spread it to other people in Fiji, and overseas when the national teams return home."

Tonga's health ministry last week reported 251 confirmed or suspected cases around the country and new cases reported across the region affecting Samoa, Tonga, Australia, New Zealand and now Fiji.

Local institutions and schools have been closed, and public spaces are also affected.
The Tonga team was reported to the Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services and Oceania Rugby.

World Rugby is expected to make a statement on Tonga's possible qualification for the 2021 World Cup.

They were scheduled to play Australia A on Monday and Samoa on Friday. This is a developing story.