Munster’s Guinness PRO14 fixture against Benetton that was due to take place in Italy this month has been postponed due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the northern part of the country.

Munster’s Guinness PRO14 fixture against Benetton that was due to take place in Italy this month has been postponed due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the northern part of the country.

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. This decision is fully supported by the board of Celtic Rugby DAC.

The fixtures affected are:

Round 14: Benetton Rugby v Munster Rugby (originally scheduled for March 21)

Round 15: Zebre Rugby Club v Connacht Rugby (originally scheduled for March 28)

As none of these clubs are involved in EPCR competitions, PRO14 Rugby will aim to reschedule these matches on dates during the European weekends in April and May.

PRO14 Rugby is currently engaged with EPCR to avoid any scheduling conflicts with European knock-out games.

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.

As indicated on February 28 (click here), PRO14 Rugby has activated a live channel of communication with each of the Chief Medical Officers for each participating union who are providing the latest information, advice and requirements from national governments and health authorities in their respective territories.

Final 4 Home Games

Friday, March 27

Munster v Benetton Rugby, Irish Independent Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

Saturday, April 11

Munster v Cardiff Blues, Thomond Park, 3pm; Buy tickets here

Saturday, April 25

Munster v Glasgow Warriors, Thomond Park, 5pm; Buy tickets here

Weekend of May 29/30

Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park; Buy tickets here