TESTING ROLLED OUT FOR RUGBY RETURN

THE IRFU will crank up preparations for a return to rugby by starting a programme of Covid-19 testing of Irish senior pros from today.

Leinster and Munster players will kick off the testing procedure, although their return to training after a threeweek break will come on Monday.

The Connacht and Ulster squads will be tested next week ahead of their planned return to training on June 29.

The Cork-based company Advanced Medical Sciences will run the testing programme, as was the case with the four SSE Airtricity League clubs Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians in recent weeks.

Players, coaches and support staff will undergo a swab test which indicates the presence of the COVID19 virus and the turnaround time for test results is between two and four days.

IRFU Medical Director Dr Rod Mcloughlin said: “The IRFU is coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the COVID19 protocols across our five designated High Performance Centres.”