Four Pro 14 matches involving Benetton Rugby and Zebre postponed

Pro 14 has announced that matches involving Benetton Rugby and Zebre in round 14 and 15 have been postponed following concerns over coronavirus.

The Round 14 game between Cardiff Blues and Zebre at Cardiff Arms and Benetton's home game against Munster will be played a different date now along with the return fixture in Round 15 with Munster hosting Benetton and Zebre locking horns with Connacht.

The decision also means the postponed fixtures involving Italian side has now increased to six.

A statement released by Pro 14 read that in the event of no alternative date, the fixtures will be announced as drawn games.

“The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest report has listed over 100 countries with confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. To ensure the safety of our players and spectators PRO14 Rugby fully supports the preventative measures taken in Italy and will adhere to the directives from the WHO and local authorities,” read a statement.

“As previously indicated, PRO14 Rugby aims to reschedule these matches on dates during the European weekends in April and May. PRO14 Rugby is currently engaged with EPCR to avoid any scheduling conflicts with European knock-out games.

“As stated on February 28, in the event that no alternative dates can be found to ensure that a postponed fixture is fulfilled, the board of Celtic Rugby DAC has agreed that both teams will be awarded two match points and the game will be deemed a 0-0 draw.”