The two PRO14 matches scheduled to take place in Italy this coming weekend have been postponed because of the threat posed by the coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak.

Ospreys were due to play Zebre in Parma, while Treviso were set to host Ulster in Treviso this weekend. But following several other sporting bodies in the country, the Italian Rugby Federation has ordered the games to be rescheduled as the outbreak soared in Italy over the past four days.

‘Both fixtures set to take place in Italy this weekend have been postponed due to the restrictions enforced by national and local authorities dealing with the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak,’ read a statement.

The first case of coronavirus in Italy was confirmed on Friday, but on Monday the number had risen to over 200 (and counting), meaning it is now the country with the largest number of coronavirus cases in Europe.

The Women’s Six Nations Test between Italy and Scotland was also called off this past weekend, while all national championship and youth games for this coming weekend have been postponed.

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Photo: Inpho