The Connacht v Zebre Guinness Pro14 match which was due to take place in Italy later this month has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus.
Two Guinness PRO14 fixtures due to take place in Italy in Rounds 14 and 15 have been postponed due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the northern part of the country.
Munster were due to face off against Benetton Rugby on March 21, and Connacht would have followed them a week later on March 28 against Zebre.
“The Italian government has now extended restrictions on sporting events until April 3 and the latest travel alerts from the Irish government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advise against non-essential travel to certain regions of Italy, including Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.”
Consequently, PRO14 Rugby has taken this action in order to protect the well-being of our participating clubs’ players, other staff and supporters, and provide some degree of certainty in an evolving situation,” a statement from Connacht Rugby said.
Pro14 Rugby hopes to reschedule both of these matches for dates later in April and May.
Talks are currently underway with EPCR to avoid any scheduling conflicts with European knock-out games.
Since late last month Pro14 Rugby has been communicating with the Chief Medical Officers of the participating unions to gather the latest information, advice, and requirements from their respective governments.
Discussions are still on-going regarding the rescheduling of the postponed Round 13 fixtures – Zebre Rugby Club v Ospreys, and Benetton Rugby v Ulster Rugby.
