Munster Rugby have confirmed that one of their academy players has tested positive for Covid-19.
In a statement released this afternoon, Munster said that the player in question has been self-isolating since Sunday when he began to display symptoms. As a precaution, Munster called off training due to take place this morning for the squad and academy.
In a statement the club said:
"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"
Munster said they have also identified five academy players and one senior player as potential close contacts and have confirmed the six players are also self-isolating. The club are currently awaiting further guidance from the HSE but believe their overall training group are not considered as close contacts.
Munsters 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.
Munster's senior squad will return to training on Monday as they prepare to face Leinster in their Guinness PRO14 match next Saturday.
