25 February 2020

Italy's Six Nations games against Ireland and England could be cancelled due to coronavirus

Six Nations organisers have reassured people they are 'closely monitoring' the coronavirus situation ahead of the last two rounds of fixtures.

Italy's women's team had their match with Scotland cancelled last weekend after considerations around the outbreak.

The Italian cities of Lombardy and Veneto are in lockdown, while 229 people in the country have tested positive, seven of whom have died.

A statement from the organisers said: "Six Nations is monitoring this situation very closely and is in regular contact with the FIR and all other Unions and Federations as well as the relevant local authorities and health organisations."

Ireland's women are due to host Italy on Sunday, March 8 before England travel to Padua for their final match the following weekend.

And Ireland's health minister Simon Harris has already come out and said 'big decisions' may need to be made in the interests of public safety.

The best videos delivered daily

Watch the stories that matter, right from your inbox