Irish Italian-based rugby star Ian Nagle has described what life his like for him and his teammates during the coronavirus lockdown.
The former Leinster man plays with Zebre in northern Italy since last summer and lives in one of the worse affected areas in Europe under tight government restrictions.
And keeping fit has been a struggle as the players battle through the 'enforced sabbatical'.
Nagle said: “The Zebre team are doing what they can. They’re sending out gym programmes, but a lot of the guys live in apartments or within the city so it’s very difficult for them.
“As it currently stands, you’re not allowed to leave your home unless it’s going to the shops.
"Or if you’ve a dog, you can walk your dog within 100 yards of your front door. That’s very tightly enforced.
“For guys who are in their apartments and don’t have any gym equipment, it’s very difficult to keep on top of their fitness.
“It’s just a case of accepting that this is going to be a lull period in terms of your physical fitness. Maybe it’s a time for an enforced sabbatical, for want of a better word.”
With uncertain times ahead, Nagle fears that a pre-season of some sort will be needed to get players back up to speed when rugby returns.
The Cork native said: “I’d like to get back as soon as I can. It’s a bit of an unknown and how this season is going to play out is an unknown as well.
“The longer we go without games, the longer it will take to get guys up to match speed.
“I don’t think it’s possible to come back and play games within a week or two.
“It’s going to need to be a mini-pre-season to some extent before games can be played.
“I really can’t wait to get back and training, which I’m sure is the case with most guys.”
Nagle joined the Parma-based side last summer after managing just 19 appearances in a three year period with Leo Cullen's Leinster side.
The Munster academy player also had spells with Newcastle and London Irish in England before joining Leinster in 2016.
