The IRFU has confirmed the weekend's rugby fixtures will go ahead despite the confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in Co Louth yesterday. In consultation with the Department of Agriculture, the union received permission for the scheduled AIB League and schools' cup matches to go ahead.

The only proviso is that fixtures in the Louth area will not take place. In a statement, the IRFU confirmed the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with its "Expert Group", had agreed the recommendations, issued on March 16th for the resumption of domestic rugby, still stand. The statement went on to point out: "This is on the understanding that any unnecessary activity or fixtures at club level be limited for the time being as far as possible. Once again the IRFU would ask that all schools and clubs act responsibly in ensuring that all necessary disinfectant precautions are put in place to minimise the risk of spreading infection.

"In addition clubs and schools can access the Department of Agriculture guidelines on its website (www.irlgov.ie/daff) where regular updates are posted. Clubs and schools in Northern Ireland should follow the advice laid down by the Department of Agriculture of Northern Ireland". The IRFU asked clubs in the exclusion zone in Co Louth to take advice from the department and veterinary officials.

A full programme of AIB League matches will go ahead , with the exception of the Midleton-City of Derry clash. The Cork club has refused to travel because many of the players come from a farming community. Midleton will forfeit the points for not fulfilling the fixture.

Meanwhile, the Six Nations Committee has again postponed an announcement regarding Ireland's three remaining fixtures in the tournament, this time until April 1st. A conference call involving all the participants scheduled for Tuesday was delayed by 48 hours, but yesterday the committee said in a statement the last round of the original fixtures, England versus France and Wales versus Italy on the weekend of April 7th would go ahead.

The Leinster Schools' Senior Cup final between Terenure College and Blackrock College at Lansdowne Road on Sunday (3.0 p.m.) will be shown live on TG4, the programme starting at 2.50 p.m.

English referee Chris White will take charge of the Heineken Cup semi-final between Stade Francais and Munster in Lille on April 21st.