The latest PCR testing carried out on Monday at the HPC has returned a positive result for a player who is asymptomatic.  To remove any doubt of a potential false positive the player will be retested tomorrow.

The individual, who was not part of the travelling group at the weekend, and six other players identified by Munster Rugby as potential close contacts, are currently self-isolating.   This approach of identifying possible close contacts is in line with the caution we have taken to this issue, these players may not be deemed close contacts by the HSE.

As a precautionary measure the squad and academy will not train at the HPC today.

The HSE have been notified for contract tracing purposes.

Further PCR testing will take place tomorrow at the HPC with a return to scheduled training planned for Thursday ahead of Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 encounter against Edinburgh at Thomond Park.

Munster Rugby Head of Medical, Dr Jamie Kearns, said: “As an immediacy we are taking every precaution by standing down training today.

“We are going to complete another round of PCR testing tomorrow so that we can return to training on Thursday.

“Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of our players and staff, and we will continue to work closely with both the IRFU and HSE in this regard.”

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Munster Rugby 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 Rugby 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.

Munster Rugby Head of Medical, Dr Jamie Kearns, said: “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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