What we know about the disruptions

Q Why was the decision made to postpone the Irelanditaly game?

A It was taken on the grounds of protecting public health due to the spread of the coronavirus in Italy, from where around 2,500 fans were expected to travel to Dublin.

Q How soon before we know a new date?

A The Irish Rugby Football Union said yesterday it would “immediately” look into it but agreeing a date in the coming weeks would appear fanciful given the speed at which the virus has spread.

Q What are the options?

A There are no available dates inside current international windows this year. Any rearranged game would have to be played either on a weekend where clubs were also in action or during scheduled rest periods. Playing a Test outside the window usually requires the cooperation of affected clubs, although Ireland and Italy have control over most of their players’ provincial teams. The next rest weekend is not until June 27-28.

Q What’s the latest on Italy v England?

A No decision is expected until next week at the earliest but Italy yesterday were confident it would go ahead.

Q And if it does not?

A More chaos. Playing one Italy game during a rest weekend would be difficult enough. Two would be a major test and raise serious questions about player welfare. England do have an autumn Test scheduled for Nov 21-22 for which they currently have no opponent but that is at Twickenham and playing Italy in Rome instead would cost the Rugby Football Union millions. Premiership clubs last night appeared willing to release England players to play the fixture earlier than that if necessary.

Q Would cancelled matches definitely need to be played?

A Even if France had sealed the grand slam, there would be place prize money at stake, as well as potentially crucial ranking points ahead of November’s 2023 World Cup draw.