Squad update.

It was decided today that Ireland’s fixture with Italy will not go ahead as planned as a result of a coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy.

IRFU officials met with Minister for Health Simon Harris today following his recommendation that the game be called off over fears of the virus spreading and said they are happy to comply with the request.

As a result, two players have now made new arrangements.

Ultan Dillane and David Heffernan have been released from Ireland camp in Dublin this week in order to travel with Connacht to South Africa for their Guinness PRO14 fixture against the Southern Kings.

The rest of the squad named yesterday will remain in camp.