THERE are no plans to postpone the rearranged Guinness PRO14 match between the Dragons and Benetton at Rodney Parade next Friday because of the coronavirus outbreak.

A statement issued by PRO14 Rugby today said that “matches will take place as scheduled unless otherwise directed by local or national authorities or governments”.

Benetton, who were originally due in Newport on February 15, are based in Treviso, a city in the Veneto region of northern Italy, one of the areas of the country most affected by the virus.

Benetton’s home game against Ulster this weekend has been postponed, as has the Ospreys’ trip to Zebre, who are based in Parma, 111 miles south-west of Treviso.

The PRO14 statement read: In response to the uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, PRO14 Rugby has initiated a number of measures to meet the challenge this poses to Guinness PRO14 fixtures.

“Since last weekend, detailed scenario-planning has been on-going and it is paramount that the well-being and health of teams, their supporters, staff and match officials are not compromised.

“To date, no country has implemented a travel ban, however, restrictions put in place around mass gatherings in Italy have caused the postponement of two Guinness PRO14 fixtures scheduled to take place this weekend.

“The Chief Medical Officers from each of the Guinness PRO14’s participating unions – the FIR, IRFU, SARU, SRU & WRU – will provide tournament organisers with regular updates from their relevant health and government authorities.

“This includes (but is not limited to) Situation Reports released by their governments or health authorities, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in their country and any travel restrictions to and from that country.

“Should the situation change, PRO14 Rugby will fully abide by any instruction or restriction from the medical authorities/governments of each of our territories.

“Currently, matches will take place as scheduled unless otherwise directed by local or national authorities or governments.

“Beyond the two postponements this weekend, all scheduled Guinness PRO14 fixtures are set to go ahead – including the refixed Round 11 game between Dragons and Benetton Rugby on March 6.”

Storm Dennis forced the match to be postponed earlier this month.