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IRFU confirm zero positive results from latest round of Covid-19 testing
By Ciarán Kennedy
The IRFU have confirmed that the second round of PCR testing at Connacht and Ulster Rugby has produced zero positive results. The latest batch of results means that there has been no positive tests reported from 407 tests across the four Irish provinces to date.
As a result, staff and players at Connacht and Ulster have now been cleared to enter the next phase of their return to rugby programme, which includes a graduated return to contact training.
In total, 149 players and staff at Connacht and Ulster were tested on Wednesday, July 15.
Last month the first round of testing at the two provinces, where 118 players and staff were tested, had also returned zero positive results.
140 players and staff at Leinster and Munster were tested on June 18, with all testing negative.
Leinster and Munster will undergo their second round of PCR testing in the coming weeks, with both provinces currently on training breaks.
The latest results mean the provinces remain on track for the proposed resumption of the Guinness Pro14 next month.
IRFU Medical Director Rod McLoughlin said, "The first tranche of the second round of PCR testing has been successfully completed. The players and staff will continue to undergo daily medical screening and assessment.
"Leinster and Munster will undergo their second testing round when they return from their mid pre-season breaks."
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Latest Comments
Agreed. And I don't have much more to say on it, but I had been having one thought that sprang to mind at the tail of this discussion, and that is that it's not all about Razor.
It's not about any coach being "right". I think a lot of selections can become defense and while it doesn't really apply here I really enjoyed that Andy Farrell just gave into the public demands and changed out his team for the change that had been asked for. Like why not? This is the countries team, keep them engaged. The whole reason i've only just finished watching the game was because I wasn't interested in watching any of the selected players against a team like Italy (still actually enjoyed the first half with the contest Italy made of it).
Faz leap frogs a younger half back into start. He hands the golden child the game over July's golden child. He gives an old winger a go, a new flanker and hooker. None of them really did any good, certainly not enough to suggest they should have been promoted above others, but who cares? You won, and you gave the country what they wanted, that's all that matters after all. It's for the country, not the one in charge who thinks they have to have their own pied piper tune playing.
Go to commentsAs Naas would say... A win is a win.
It was not perfect and at times frustrating. All 3 tests were not the best by the Boks and they still found ways to win.
Rassie would have noted the sloppyness at times and silly mistakes. The 9's made amateur handling mistakes when clearing the rucks in all 3 tests.
Once the "stupid" mistakes are eliminated, this Bok team will be very very hard to beat.
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