Clarification.

The IRFU have released a statement after Minister for Health Simon Harris said the Ireland v Italy Six Nations game scheduled for Dublin next month should not go ahead due to the coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy.

Speaking on RTÉ One’s Six One News, Harris said it was the “very clear view” of the National Public Health Emergency Team that the Round 4 meeting should not go ahead in the interests of public safety.

The IRFU are seeking an urgent meeting with Harris to explain the “specific reasoning” as to why he has recommended the game be called off.

“The IRFU is seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Harris as to the specific reasoning behind calling for the cancellation of the Ireland v Italy Six Nations fixture in the context of the Government’s overall travel policy to and from Italy and other affected countries,” a statement read.

“Until such time as the IRFU has had contact with the Minister and gets an understanding of the government’s strategic policy on travel to and from Ireland and the cancellation of mass gatherings, it is not in a position to comment further.”