No positive Covid-19 tests have been recorded from the latest round of IRFU testing of players and staff at all four provinces, which is good news for the return of Irish rugby this weekend.
The spotlight was on Munster in particular after one Academy player tested positive for the coronavirus last week, and six players - including one senior squad member - were told to self-isolate as contacts.
However all six had negative tests at the start of the week and, following testing done at the Red's high performance centre at UL on Monday, there will be relief that no further positive tests have emerged.
In total across the provinces, 308 players, staff and match officials were tested this week and all have been cleared for the weekend's action at the Aviva Stadium.
Players and staff will now be tested each match week, including next week.
IRFU Medical Director Rod McLoughlin commented: "I would like to acknowledge the incredible work of the medical teams, support staff, coaches and players in the provinces who have fully committed to the COVID protocols at their High Performance Centres and have enabled the return of professional rugby this weekend.
"Supporters can be assured that we will all continue to work hard to ensure that professional rugby continues to adhere to strict COVID protocols".
