Carolan: Players will face HR if there are breaches

CONNACHT attack coach Nigel Carolan has reminded his squad of their responsibilities after a Munster player became the first senior player in Irish rugby to test positive for Covid-19.

The Connacht squad underwent their routine testing yesterday and will hope for no hiccups ahead of this weekend’s PRO14 game against Cardiff Blues.

Carolan, who admitted he remains on high alert given that he lives with his young family, is keen for the Connacht players to remain strict in how they limit their contacts outside of the Sportsground.

“We are doing everything we can to

minimise the risk,” Carolan said.

“These are strange times we are living in. Even myself, my daughter had a runny nose and I had to call in and quarantine until she was clear for 24 hours before I could come in, so it is very strange.

“It happened to Jimmy (Duffy, forwards coach), the week before it happened to Pete (Wilkins, defence coach), we are trying to minimise all of those risks.

“But it is here now, Covid is very close to home. The players are reminded of interactions, even with each other, outside the Sportsground. Even something such as going for coffee, they can’t do that. And they are reminded of that every week.

“You only have to look at the stories in the UK with the footballers, it’s crazy. But it is here, it is very alive, and it is something the players are constantly reminded about.

“They have to follow the same guidelines as everybody else and they are not exempt just because they are professional rugby players. They have to adhere to all the guidelines.

“There are protocols in place here and any breaches outside the Sportsground will have serious consequences individually,” Carolan added.

“Those players will be in front of HR if there are any breaches and hopefully that is in the front of their minds as well.”

Meanwhile, Bundee Aki is recovering well from the knock he picked up in Connacht’s impressive win over Glasgow last weekend, and the centre is set to be included in Ireland’s Six Nations squad, which is due to be announced today.

The prognosis was less positive for young lock Niall Murray (20), who is facing surgery after suffering a “serious” shoulder injury.