IRFU & Provinces Suspend Domestic Rugby Activity

The Irish Rugby Football Union, together with Munster, Connacht, Leinster and Ulster Rugby have announced the suspension of all Domestic Rugby activity from 6pm this evening (March 12) until March 29 inclusive, in response to the latest Government advice on the Coronavirus (Covid – 19) pandemic.

Future Domestic Rugby activity will be reviewed in line with government advice.

The Munster Rugby offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park will be closed to the general public. Please direct any queries to info@munsterrugby.ie.

Training and Playing

All Rugby activities across clubs and schools, from minis to adult rugby, must now cease.

Impact on fixtures of note

We will work with clubs and schools to rearrange fixtures, such as the age-grade club and schools cup finals.

Clubhouse Operations

While rugby clubs may wish to continue to operate facilities such as bars and function rooms they must observe government restrictions in relation to the number of people that may attend indoor (no more than 100 people) and outdoor (no more than 500 people) events.

Professional Game

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.

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.

Tickets purchased for Munster Rugby home fixtures will remain valid for any rescheduled date, ticket holders are asked to retain their tickets.