The Dragons region has been closed for two weeks following an outbreak of Covid-19 that has seen seven positive tests at Rodney Parade.
It means there will be no matches or training during that period with two matches already postponed and a third to be reviewed.
The Guinness PRO14 match at home to Connacht scheduled for tomorrow has gone – as has the Dragons’ game at Glasgow the following weekend.
The Dragons returned seven new positive COVID-19 tests this week as part of the Welsh Rugby’s weekly testing programme.
PRO14 Rugby will examine potential dates in early 2021 to reschedule these games.
Munster, who played against the Dragons last weekend, have returned a full list of negative results from their testing this week.
Tournament organisers said the decision was reached “to ensure health and safety of all those at the club and to reduce further transmission.”
The decision came a week after a Dragons staff member tested positive for coronavirus.
Interesting that Munster have recorded no positive tests after the game with Dragons.
Good news in terms of match protocols.— Huw G Jones (@HuwGJones310) November 6, 2020
The Dragons’ game at home to Munster last Sunday went ahead as as no players had been affected.
Last weekend director of rugby Dean Ryan was not in attendance at Rodney Parade as he was one of the members of the wider management group required to self-isolate as a close contact of the affected staff member.
In a statement Guinness PRO14 officials noted: “The Welsh Rugby Union and Dragons Rugby have collaboratively and proactively taken the decision to close the region for a fortnight following the latest results of the COVID-19 testing programme.
“The Dragons returned seven new positive COVID-19 tests this week as part of the Welsh Rugby’s weekly testing programme. Working closely with and supported by Public Health Wales the decision has been made to close the Region for a fortnight, with no training or games to take place during this time. This course of action has the full backing of the PRO14 Medical Advisory Group.
“The decision has been taken to ensure health and safety of all those at the club and to reduce further transmission.
“All players, management and staff at the Region are to self-isolate and follow all Public Health Wales guidelines. Additional testing (in addition to the current testing programme) will also be part of these measures.”
The affected Dragons Guinness PRO14 fixtures are:
R5 v Connacht (H)
R6 v Glasgow Warriors (A)
The Round 7 fixture with Edinburgh will be under review as players are put through a testing programme.