Coronavirus: Pro14 takes another knock

NEWS: All Round 14 and 15 Pro14 fixtures involving Benetton and Zebre have now 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 (March 21) and the Round 15 game between Munster and Benetton (March 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.

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.

Pro14 Rugby has stated that they will remain in contact with the FIR (Italian Union), Zebre Rugby Club, Benetton Rugby and World Rugby to monitor situation on a regular basis.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest report has listed over 100 countries with confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus.

Postponed fixtures:

R13: Zebre v Ospreys; Benetton v Ulster

R14: Cardiff Blues v Zebre; Benetton v Munster

R15: Munster v Benetton; Zebre v Connacht