Connacht clash is off after virus outbreak in Benetton camp

CONNACHT’S clash against Benetton in the PRO14 at the Sportsground on Sunday has fallen victim to Covid-19. The Italians have reported a second coronavirus case in their ranks and due to the ‘close contacts’ stipulation are not in a position to field against the Westerners. It’s a disappointing outcome for Connacht who would have been eager to build on their thumping 37-26 victory over Edinburgh at Murrayfield last weekend. A statement was released by Connacht on the postponement yesterday evening (Thursday). “Benetton will not be able to travel due to a small number of isolated positive cases of Covid-19. Public health guidelines in Italy currently prevent the Benetton squad from resuming rugby activities and as a result the fixture cannot take place as planned.” Had the match gone ahead, Connacht would again have been without their seven players currently with the Irish set-up. Four will be involved against France on Saturday in Paris – Bundee Aki, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham and Ultan Dillane. Quinn Roux is injured but still in camp while Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty are also involved with the wider squad.