Zero Positive Results From Second Round Of PCR Testing

The IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) can confirm that the PCR testing of players and staff at Munster and Leinster this week produced zero positive results.

153 players and staff were tested across the two provinces.

The staff and players have been cleared to enter the next phase of their return to rugby which includes a graduated return to contact training.

To date there have been 560 tests conducted across the professional player and staff group and zero positive tests reported.

IRFU Medical Director Rod McLoughlin commented: “The second round of PCR testing is now complete ahead of the graduated return to contact.  The players and staff will continue to undergo daily medical screening and assessment.

“The next phase of testing will take place ahead of the Guinness PRO14 fixtures in August.”

The Munster squad returned to the HPC in Limerick on Monday with senior players and high performance staff undergoing their second round of PCR testing that morning.

The training programme for the return to rugby has so far seen the players train for four weeks from June 22 to July 17.

The squad had a down week last week and have returned for a four-week bloc of training ahead of next month’s Guinness PRO14 Interpro double-header.

Johann van Graan’s men take on Leinster on Saturday, August 22, at the Aviva Stadium (7.35pm) before facing Connacht at the Aviva on Sunday, August 30 (3pm)