Further postponements due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

March 10, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

The Six Nations, Rugby Europe and PRO14 have issued updates on fixtures due to concerns over the coronavirus

Following yesterday's postponement of Six Nations match between France and Ireland, Six Nations have now confirmed that the Women and U20 matches between the two countries have also been postponed.

Meanwhile, the Wales v Scotland Six Nations and U20 matches will go ahead as scheduled. The statement also said: "Discussions with Unions and Federations are ongoing as it is of the utmost importance to find suitable dates for rescheduled matches while respecting the values and integrity of our Championship."

The Spain v Portugal game in Madrid in the Rugby Europe Championship this weekend will be played behind closed doors following a decree from the Spanish government.

While there has been postponements in the PRO14 with all Round 14 & 15 PRO14 fixtures involving Benetton Rugby and Zebre Rugby Club been postponed due to restrictions enforced by the Italian government that will prevent the teams from travelling.

The Round 14 game between Cardiff Blues and Zebre in Wales (Mar 21) and the Round 15 game between Munster Rugby and Benetton (Mar 27) in Ireland have now been postponed.

This means that six Italian fixtures now require alternative dates as authorities in Italy take action to combat the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

A PRO14 Rugby statement said that they have been consistent in ensuring that it has the latest information and guidance made available by the local and national authorities via our participating unions in the UK, Ireland, Italy and South Africa.

It went on to say: "Currently in northern Italy, no unnecessary travel is permitted in or out of the Lombardy region and 14 other provinces, which include the cities of Treviso and Parma.

These restrictions are in place until Friday, April 3, 2020 and PRO14 Rugby will remain in contact with the FIR (Italian Union), Zebre Rugby Club, Benetton Rugby and World Rugby to monitor situation on a regular basis."

Postponed PRO14 fixtures:

R13: Zebre Rugby Club v Ospreys Rugby; Benetton Rugby v Ulster Rugby

R14: Cardiff Blues v Zebre Rugby Club; Benetton Rugby v Munster Rugby

R15: Munster Rugby v Benetton Rugby; Zebre Rugby Club v Connacht Rugby