Irish RFU boss tells the GOVERNMENT to decide whether to cancel Ireland’s Six Nations game with Italy amid the coronavirus outbreak – and says it’s ‘unfair’ that he should make the decision
- Irish RFU boss Philip Browne wants a directive over Ireland’s clash with Italy
- Ireland are due to play Italy in the Six Nations on March 7 at the Aviva Stadium
- The Six Nations clash is at threat at being called off due to the coronavirus
- Officials want the game called off in a bid to stop the deadly virus spreading
- Browne believes the government need to step in and make a decision
Irish RFU boss Philip Browne has hit out at the lack of intervention from the government over whether Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Italy should go ahead.
The deadly epidemic has swept through northern parts of Italy and there have been calls to prevent the disease reaching the shores of Ireland with the game set to take place on March 7.
With the competition facing a chaotic period as the coronavirus continues to spread, Browne believes it’s ‘unfair’ to put a decision on his shoulders and wants a ‘directive’ from the government over what action should be taken.
IRFU boss Philip Browne hits out at the government over their handling of the virus outbreak
Browne said to Virgin Media News: ‘I think we’re looking for a directive on this. At the end of the day the government are here to lead the country in relation to public health decisions and I think it’s somewhat unfair to be asking the IRFU to make decisions like this.
‘I think ultimately we’ll comply with whatever directive we’re given.
‘At this stage we’re going in to talk to the minister and we’re happy to do so.’
More than 370 people have been diagnosed with the virus in Italy, with nearly a dozen towns put into quarantine. Twelve people are known to have died.
Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Italy could be called off due to the coronavirus outbreak
The Irish government’s public health emergency team on Tuesday concluded that the fixture at the Aviva Stadium on March 7 should not take place because of the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in Italy.
Irish health minister Simon Harris made it clear that his government was opposed to Ireland taking on Italy and said: ‘The very clear view was that this game should not go ahead and it would constitute a significant risk because a large number of people would be travelling from what is now an affected region.’
It is reported that there will be hastily-convened meetings held on Wednesday between Six Nations officials, the Irish RFU and Irish authorities before any official decision is made.