Munster insist that plans to resume competitive action against Leinster on Saturday week have not been put in jeopardy by an Academy player testing positive for Covid-19.
The player developed symptoms on Sunday and immediately self-isolated, and was not present at the province's high performance centre at UL this week.
Munster bosses immediately identified five Academy players and one senior player as potential close contacts from social and household settings.
The six players are self-isolating at present.
As a precaution, Johann van Graan's senior squad and the Academy players did not train today at UL and Thomond Park.
"Munster Rugby have been assisting an Academy player within the wider training squad who has tested positive for Covid-19," read a statement from the Reds.
"The individual immediately self-isolated on development of symptoms on Sunday. The HSE have been contacted and the contact tracing process has commenced.
"The province will await further guidance from the HSE in this regard."
Munster Rugby Head of Medical, Dr Jamie Kearns said: “The health and safety of our players and staff is the priority and that is why we are taking all precautions, going above and beyond, ensuring the safe resumption of training and rugby next week.
“The player involved has not been in the High Performance Centre this week and the HSE have confirmed that the training group are not considered as close contacts.
“The individual is continuing to be monitored medically and remains well.
“There are protocols and policies in place that everyone has been following, and we will continue to be vigilant in all our efforts as we move closer to the return of rugby on Saturday week".
The senior players are scheduled to return to their UL base on Monday to complete the third phase of IRFU testing, and to resume preparations for the PRO14 clash with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Test results will be released publicly, as the previous rounds of testing were. Last week Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster spoke of the need for the provinces to be vigilant in the run-up to the restart of rugby on the 22nd.
"To be honest the message has been consistent from the start," said Lancaster.
"We recognise the responsibility.
“It's getting so close now that everyone just wants to get to the game and make sure it passes without incident off the field, so we can all enjoy watching live rugby in Ireland".
