Ireland's Six Nations rugby clash against Italy is set to be scrapped over fears of the spread of coronavirus.
Health Minister Simon Harris will contact the IRFU advising them the March 7 game at the Aviva Stadium, which would have attracted more than 50,000 fans, should not go ahead.
Following a meeting with the National Public Health Emergency Team last night, Mr Harris said: “The very clear view was that the game should not go ahead.
“That it would constitute a significant risk because a very large number of people would be travelling from what is now an infected region.
“I know it will come as a great disappointment to many, but it is important to make decisions about public health above and beyond all other considerations.”
An IRFU spokesman responded: “The IRFU is seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Harris as to the specific reasoning behind calling for the cancellation of the Ireland v Italy Six Nations fixture in the context of the Government’s overall travel policy to and from Italy and other affected countries.”
In a tweet after the IRFU statement last night, Mr Harris added: “Today’s decision was not taken lightly but we must act on the basis of public health advice.”
