‘THIS IS ABOUT PROTECTING THE PEOPLE AT HIGH RISK...’

CONNACHT out-half Jack Carty has labelled the ongoing global situation ‘crazy’ as the world of rugby has come to an indefinite halt.

The 27 year-old is adjusting to a significant change in his career as he looks to keep ready for the sport’s eventual return.

And Carty admits the sudden stop in proceedings has been somewhat of a shock to the system having been in the meat of the season just weeks ago.

‘It has happened quite quick. Two and a half weeks ago we were on a week off and we came back in and trained on a Thursday and then we got a message that evening saying we weren’t going to be coming in on Friday.

‘I suppose the steps the Government have taken are necessary to contain everything and then there are people at higher risk — so it’s about protecting them (in particular).

‘It’s been crazy times and I suppose it’s going to be like this for another while.’

The EPCR indefinitely suspended the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals on Tuesday and there are increasing doubts over whether the Pro14 will be resumed before the end of the season.

Connacht are currently fourth in Conference B of the league phase having defeated Southern Kings in their last outing at the beginning of March. Andy Friend’s side were scheduled to have eight more matches in their bid to reach the semi-finals of the competition, but now hopes of repeating their 2016 success are looking slim.

And although Carty admits he would ‘love’ the season to finish, the No10 is unsure whether it will be achievable based on feedback from the IRFU.

‘I’d love it if there was a season to finish, we have got ourselves into a strong position but in the grand scheme of things it’s not that big.’