All rugby suspended including Schools’ Cup final

The move was confirmed in statements by Pro14 Rugby and the IRFU yesterday afternoon.

A statement from the Pro14 read, “The PRO14 is an international league. Cross border travel is inevitable and that brings with it unique challenges.

“With governments in Italy and Ireland already putting in place clear directives and restrictions around public activities and travel, the decision to suspend the competition is appropriate.

“It is in the best interests of everyone that games are not played at this time. The suspension has been directed by the board of Celtic Rugby DAC and will be remain under constant review.

“Resumption of the 2019/20 season will now become a matter of constant review.

“To this point PRO14 Rugby has ensured 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.

“This will remain the case for the duration of the suspension.

“This is an unprecedented action for the tournament and as such no end date to the suspension can be provided at this time.”

David Jordan, Tournament Director PRO14 Rugby, said it was important to make a “clear decision”.

“We have made this decision with everyone’s welfare foremost in our minds. With an evolving situation in the five countries that take part in Guinness PRO14 it is important to make a clear decision that is in keeping with the advice of the various governments involved,” he said

Ulster have already had theyirtrip to Treviso to play Benetton at the end of last month postponed and now face at least two other fixtures having to be rearranged.

Next Friday’s match with the Dragons at Kingspan Stadium and the away trip to Glasgow Warriors on March 27th will be rescheduled while the Heineken Champions Cup quarter trip to Toulouse at the start of April is also in serious doubt.

Ulster Rugby issued advice to fans holding tickets for postponed games.

A statement said: “All ticket holders are advised to retain their tickets for Ulster Rugby home fixtures as they may be valid for any re-scheduled fixture. In the event of any game being cancelled we will communicate to Season Ticket holders and match ticket holders regarding a refund policy.”

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s St Patrick’s Day Danske Bank Schools’ Cup final between Wallace High School and Royal School Armagh has been postponed following the IRFU decision to postpone all domestic rugby games.

An IRFU statement read: “The Irish Rugby Football Union, together with Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster Rugby, have announced the suspension of all Domestic Rugby activity from 6pm 12th March until the 29th March (inclusive), in response to the latest Government advice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Future Domestic Rugby activity will be reviewed in line with Government advice.

“While Rugby Clubs may wish to continue to operate facilities such as bars and function rooms they must observe Government restrictions in relation to the number of people that may attend indoor (no more than 100 people) and outdoor (no more than 500 people) events.

“We will work with clubs and schools to rearrange fixtures, such as the Schools Cup finals.”