Ulster Rugby chiefs admit that "some uncertainty remains" over the province's URC derby clash with Leinster, which is scheduled for this Saturday at Kingspan Stadium.
Ulster have cancelled a 4pm press conference with head coach Dan McFarland and issued a statement instead about the current situation.
Both provinces have been hit by positive Covid-19 cases over the festive period, and the entire URC round eight fixture list post-Christmas was wiped out due to concerns over the virus.
While optimism remains that the Connacht v Munster game at the Sportsground will go ahead on New Year's Day, there is much more concern over the tie in Belfast that was flagged several weeks ago by the hosts as a sell-out.
"Ulster Rugby would like to update supporters that some uncertainty remains around the Ulster v Leinster match scheduled for this Saturday at Kingspan Stadium," read the Ulster statement.
"This update follows the postponement of our United Rugby Championship Round 8 fixture against Connacht Rugby, after a number of the Senior Men’s squad tested positive for COVID-19.
"We continue to work closely at this time with the URC, and other relevant stakeholders, and would like to thank supporters for their understanding, and good wishes for those affected, at this challenging time.
"An update on the status of the match will be issued as soon as possible, with ticket holders to be contacted directly."
Leinster resumed training yesterday after taking a 'circuit break' over Christmas in a bid to come back with most of the squad Covid-free.
