The current Guinness PRO14 season has been suspended in response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak.
The PRO14 is an international league. Cross border travel is inevitable and that brings with it unique challenges. With governments in Italy and Ireland already putting in place clear directives and restrictions around public activities and travel, the decision to suspend the competition is appropriate. It is in the best interests of everyone that games are not played at this time. The suspension has been directed by the board of Celtic Rugby DAC and will be remain under constant review.
The current Guinness PRO14 season has been suspended in response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak.
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) March 12, 2020
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David Jordan, Tournament Director PRO14 Rugby, said: “We have made this decision with everyone’s welfare foremost in our minds. With an evolving situation in the five countries that take part in Guinness PRO14 it is important to make a clear decision that is in keeping with the advice of the various governments involved.”
Resumption of the 2019/20 season will now become a matter of constant review. To this point PRO14 Rugby has ensured that it has the latest information and guidance made available by the local and national authorities via our participating unions in the UK, Ireland, Italy and South Africa.
This will remain the case for the duration of the suspension. This is an unprecedented action for the tournament and as such no end date to the suspension can be provided at this time.
In keeping with our practice during the outbreak, PRO14 Rugby will provide updates on the suspension when more information is available.
List of Rugby union events affected by coronavirus outbreak
The following is a list of rugby union affected by a coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 1,800 people and infected more than 70,000 in China after emerging late last year in Wuhan, Hubei province.
Six Nations: Ireland vs. Italy in Dublin on March 7; Italy vs. England in Rome on March 14; France vs. Ireland in Paris on March 14, postponed.
Women’s Six Nations: Italy vs. Scotland in Legnano on Feb. 23; Scotland vs. France in Glasgow on March 7; Ireland vs. Italy in Dublin on March 8; Italy vs. England in Padua on March 15; Wales vs. Scotland in Cardiff on March 15; France vs. Ireland in Villeneuve-d’Ascq on March 15, postponed.
European Championship: Georgia vs. Russia will now be played behind closed doors
Pro14: Zebre vs. Ospreys on Feb. 29; Treviso vs. Ulster on Feb. 29; Cardiff vs. Zebre on March 21; Treviso vs. Munster on March 21; Munster vs. Treviso on March 27; Zebre vs. Connacht on March 27, postponed.