Ireland's Six Nations clash with Italy postponed next month

After some reports that the game was in question, Ireland’s chief Philip Browne confirmed that the Irish government has decided that the clash between Ireland and Italy in the Six Nations on March 7 cannot go ahead with the threat of the Coronavirus.

Since then, Irish Rugby themselves released a statement indicating that all Ireland v Italy clashes, including the U20’s game and the Women’s tie are postponed.

A statement released by the IRFU said,

“The IRFU had a positive meeting with Minister Harris and his advisors today, where we requested a formal instruction as to the staging of the Ireland v Italy international matches over the weekend of 6/8 March.

At the outset we made it clear that the IRFU was supportive of the Governments’ need to protect public health in relation to the Coronavirus.

We were then advised, formally, that The National Public Health Emergency team has determined that the series of matches should not proceed, in the interests of Public Health.

The IRFU is happy to comply with this instruction.

We will immediately begin to work with our Six Nations partners to look at the possibility of rescheduling the matches and would hope to have an update on this in the coming days”

Munster are scheduled to face Benetton Rugby in the Guinness Pro 14 next month also.