Ulster Rugby suspend training after two players test positive

One is a senior and one an academy player.

They are asymptomatic and are self-isolating.

Five players and a member of support staff have been identified as close contacts.

All group training at senior and academy level has been suspended until further notice.

Ulster Rugby medical director Michael Webb said: “Following confirmation of two players testing positive, our priority continues to be the health and safety of our players and staff, so we have acted quickly with a number of measures, including standing down training from today, and asking those who have tested positive to self-isolate immediately.”

Ulster take on Welsh outfit Ospreys on Saturday in the group stage of rugby’s PRO14 tournament.

Dr Webb added: “We will continue to work closely with the Public Health Agency and the IRFU to follow all of the necessary public health advice and assist with the contact tracing process as required, as well as provide support to the individuals involved.”

Further testing of players and staff is due to take place today.

“The latest round of PCR testing, which was carried out yesterday, has returned a positive result for one senior player and one academy player at Ulster Rugby,” confirmed the Ulster Rugby statement. “These players, who are currently asymptomatic, are now self-isolating in-line with public health protocols.”