The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has called off its entire rugby programme for at least another week due to fears foot-and-mouth disease could spread in the Republic.
Although there have been no confirmed cases in Ireland itself there has been one confirmed case in Northern Ireland.
Last Saturday's scheduled Six Nations international against Wales in Cardiff was postponed. Last weekend’s domestic programme, at all levels, was also called off.
In a statement issued today, the IRFU said: "The Department of Agriculture has strongly advised and recommended to the IRFU that all domestic rugby be called off for a further week.
"Accordingly the IRFU confirms that all rugby matches, without exception, are postponed with immediate effect and the situation will be reviewed on Monday next, March 12th, 2001.
"The IRFU is seeking a further meeting with the Department of Agriculture for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 6th, to seek clarification in relation to the extent to which domestic rugby will continue to be affected and also to seek a directive regarding the playing of the scheduled Ireland - England Six Nations Championship match, fixed for Lansdowne Road on March 24th."
Six Nations organisers said last Friday that they were determined to complete the Championhip even if that meant playing matches in the autumn.
