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Ireland and Italy game to be reviewed due to coronavirus

Ireland's Six Nations game against Italy next month is set to be reviewed amid concerns over the ...



Ireland's Six Nations game against Italy next month is set to be reviewed amid concerns over the coronavirus.

It comes after Italy reported its fifth death from the coronavirus with the number of people contracting the virus set to rise.

Minister for Health Simon Harris said there are "no plans as of now" to cancel the match, fixed for March 7th at the Aviva Stadium.

Harris told reporters: "There will be some big decisions that have to be made in the coming days including mass gatherings.

"Most particularly, I’m thinking of the Ireland-Italy rugby game that’s due to take place in the not-too-distant future."

"We’re reviewing today (Monday) advice in relation to situations like mass gatherings like large matches and the National Public Health Emergency team will meet tomorrow.

"All of the advice that Ireland is taking and following, and all of the advice it will continue to take, will be in accordance with the World Health Organisation guidelines and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control."

Ulster's Guinness PRO14 meeting with Benetton on Saturday has been postponed, due to fears over the spread of Covid-19.

The Italy and Scotland women's Six Nations game on Sunday evening was called off due to coronavirus fears and three Serie A fixtures were also postponed.

Ireland are third in the Six Nations following a 24-12 defeat to England at Twickenham.

Andy Farrell's side are due to travel to Paris to face France on March 14th, a week after the Italy game in Dublin.

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