LEINSTER AND MUNSTER have been cleared for a graduated return to contact training after returning zero positive results in the IRFU’s latest round of PCR testing for Covid-19.
153 players and staff were tested in the two provinces this week and the IRFU has happily reported that, for the second time, no one has tested positive.
Ulster and Connacht came through their own second round of PCR testing last week without any positive results.
The IRFU says that “to date there have been 560 tests conducted across the professional player and staff group” in the four provinces, with zero positives.
It means that all four provinces have been cleared to make their graduated return to contact training as they continue to build towards the scheduled Pro14 inter-provincial clashes at the Aviva Stadium next month.
Leinster are due to face Munster on Saturday 22 August [KO 7.35pm, eir Sport], with Connacht and Ulster playing each other the following day [KO 4.30pm, eir Sport/TG4].
The weekend after, Leinster take on Ulster on Saturday 29 August [KO 7.35pm, eir Sport], while Munster clash with Connacht [KO 3pm, eir Sport].
“The second round of PCR testing is now complete ahead of the graduated return to contact,” said IRFU medical director Rod McLoughlin.
“The players and staff will continue to undergo daily medical screening and assessment. The next phase of testing will take place ahead of the Guinness PRO14 fixtures in August.”