PRO14 call off games involving Italian sides
ALL Guinness PRO14 fixtures involving Italian teams have been postponed for the next two rounds due to the coronavirus outbreak, including Cardiff Blues’ home game against Zebre.
The Round 14 and 15 games involving Benetton and Zebre have been put off due to restrictions enforced by the Italian government which will prevent the teams from travelling.
So, in addition to matches in Italy, the games between the Blues and Zebre at the Arms Park (March 21) and Munster and Benetton in Cork (March 27) have now been postponed.
The Blues are the second Welsh team to be impacted, as the Ospreys’ Round 13 game away to Zebre was postponed last month.
This means six Italian fixtures now require alternative dates as authorities in the country take action to combat the outbreak of the COVID19 virus.
PRO14 is aiming to reschedule them for European weekends in April and May, but if new dates can not be found, the game will be deemed a 0-0 draw with both teams awarded two match points.
At present in Italy, no unnecessary travel is permitted in or out of the Lombardy region and 14 other provinces, which include the cities of Treviso and Parma, where Benetton and Zebre play their games.
These restrictions are in place until April 3 and PRO14 Rugby will remain in contact with the FIR (Italian Union), Zebre, Benetton and World Rugby to monitor the situation on a regular basis.
A PRO14 statement read: “The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest report has listed over 100 countries with confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus.
“To ensure the safety of our players and spectators PRO14 Rugby fully supports the preventative measures taken in Italy and will adhere to the directives from the WHO and local authorities.
“As previously indicated, PRO14 Rugby aims to reschedule these matches on dates during the European weekends in April and May.
“PRO14 Rugby is currently engaged with EPCR to avoid any scheduling conflicts with European knock-out games. As stated on February 28, in the event that no alternative dates can be found to ensure that a postponed 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.”