PRO14 to call it a draw if matches are not played
TEAMS in the Guinness PRO14 whose matches have been postponed because of the outbreak of coronavirus will be awarded two points each if the fixtures are unable to be played at a later date.
Tournament organisers are working to find alternative dates for this weekend’s postponed fixtures, between Zebre and the Ospreys and Benetton and Ulster.
But it may not be possible due to the crammed rugby calendar, with at least one Six Nations match also needing to be rescheduled after Ireland v Italy was called off.
The final weekend match between Italy and England also seems in grave danger, while it is not inconceivable the entire tournament could yet be scrapped. A meeting between the Six Nations will be held on Monday to decide its fate.
The two cancelled PRO14 matches were due to take place in Parma and Treviso, both places are in the zone in northern Italy affected by the outbreak of coronavirus.
It seems likely further matches at those venues will also be called off, unless there is a significant change in circumstances over the coming days.
The number of cases has spiked by more than 50 per cent in just 24 hours and stood at 650 with 17 deaths, the country’s Ministry of Health said in its latest briefing.
More than 400 of the respiratory virus cases are in the Lombardy region, where some towns are under a lockdown.
Concerns about spreading the COVID-19 virus forced the postponement of several Serie A matches last weekend with at least another five due to be played in closed stadiums with no supporters in attendance.
Italy has had the most cases and deaths outside of Asia. All the people who have died in the country were elderly or had other health complications, it has been reported.
Benetton’s match with the Dragons, which had been due to take place at Newport on February 15, but was postponed because of Storm Dennis, is still due to be staged at Rodney Parade next Friday night.
The PRO14, in a statement responding to the outbreak in Italy, said: “Beyond the two postponements this weekend, all scheduled Guinness PRO14 fixtures are set to go ahead, including the refixed round 11 game between Dragons and Benetton on March 6.
“In response to the uncertainty caused by the outbreak, PRO14 Rugby has initiated a number of measures to meet the challenge it poses to Guinness PRO14 fixtures.
“Since last weekend, detailed scenario-planning has been on-going and it is paramount that the wellbeing and health of teams, their supporters, staff and match officials are not compromised.
“To date, no country has implemented a travel ban. However, restrictions put in place around mass gatherings in Italy have caused the postponement of two Guinness PRO14 fixtures scheduled to take place this weekend.
“The Chief Medical Officers from each of the Guinness PRO14’s participating unions [Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and Wales] will provide tournament organisers with regular updates from their relevant health and government authorities.
“This includes (but is not limited to) situation reports released by their governments or health authorities, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in their country and any travel restrictions to and from that country.
“Should the situation change PRO14 Rugby will fully abide by any instruction or restriction from the medical authorities/governments of each of our territories.
“Currently, matches will take place as scheduled unless otherwise directed by local or national authorities or governments.
“In the event that any future games are postponed and no alternative dates can be found to ensure the fixture is fulfilled, the board of Celtic Rugby DAC has agreed that both teams will be awarded two match points and the game will be deemed a 0-0 draw.
“This stands in line with current World Rugby practice and resembles protocols in other rugby codes and international sports.”
Countries – New Zealand, Italy, England, France, Namibia and Canada – whose matches couldn’t be played at last year’s World Cup in Japan because of the effects of Typhoon Hagibis each received two points.
Benetton, who reached the title play-offs in last season’s PRO14 and were unfortunate to go out at Munster, are sixth in Conference B this campaign with Zebre occupying the same spot in Conference A.