Munster shut down PRO14 training after player tests positive for coronavirus
PRO14 side Munster have issued a medical update after one of their academy players tested positive for coronavirus. The Irish province have been counting down towards their Guinness 2019/20 season restart versus Leinster in Dublin on August 22.
However, Munster claim that the positive case won't hugely affect their preparations for what will be their first match since a February 29 PRO14 win over Scarlets in Limerick.
The Munster statement read: "Munster have been assisting an academy player within the wider training squad who has tested positive for Covid-19. As a precautionary measure, the squad and academy did not train today at the HPC and Thomond Park.
"The individual immediately self-isolated on development of symptoms on Sunday. The HSE have been contacted and the contact tracing process has commenced.
"In taking all precautions, Munster have immediately identified five academy players and one senior player as potential close contacts from social and household settings and the six players have already commenced self-isolating. The province will await further guidance from the HSE in this regard.
"The senior squad will return to the HPC on Monday to complete the third phase of the IRFU’s routine PCR testing and resume preparations for the Guinness PRO14 encounter against Leinster. Test results will be released publicly in line with the process for phase one and two of these routine tests."
Speaking about the situation, Munster head of medical Dr Jamie Kearns added: “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.”
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It is a good argument to keep the Rebels for one more year but also isnt this just opening the door as well for keeping them beyond 2025. If they can create some sort of financial stability in the next year and if their performances lift as they have this season then how would RA even cull them after that? It might be the most cost effective decision at this stage and perhaps many people are guilty of keeping relationships going because of the cost to decouple but then again when does that ever work out well?
Go to commentsDear Ben Smith you are a genius! God please become the next all blacks coach that can take on the mighty BOKS. Your rugby acumen is second to none - imagine your dads sperm bounced as unfortunately as that oval ball did….we would not be blessed with your presence. Just as the all blacks were missing a man you too are missing a chromosome for 80% of your life, so your insights are not only profound but ring true from your own experiences. Just as the TMO interfered with citing an illegal pass I am sure your local authorities interfere with your illegal passes you make on women - How dare they!!! God forbid that rugby be officiated fairly. You are the right man for the job. Next all blacks coach is here ladies and gentlemen Miss Ben Smith (He/She/They/IT)
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