Ulster halt training after Covid cases in academy

Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill says he is relaxed about the situation at Ulster, who are due at BT Murray field next Saturday for a Guinness Pro 14 semi-final, after a number of their youth players tested positive for coronavirus.

The Irish province have suspended training after an outbreak of C ovid -19 within their academy squad, with a member of the senior squad is self-isolating after being identified as a potential close contact of one of those affected.

Cockerill said: “There are protocols in place, ones that everyone follows and which they have in hand, and clearly Ulster are doing that.

“I don’t expect it to be an issue at all. You take the best precautions you can and trust the medical staff to do things correctly, and you isolate the guys who have an issue, and then you carry on.”

Ulster said the club were assisting the players who have tested positive and working to trace any other potential contacts whilst awaiting the result of further tests. Their rugby medical director Michael Webb said: “We are closely following public health advice inline with the IRFU’S (Irish Rugby Football Union) return-to-play protocols.

“Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our players and staff, and we will continue to work closely with both the IRFU and PHA (Public Health Authority).”

Ulster are due to face Le inst erin the Pro 14 tomorrow.