Ulster Rugby will play their next two home fixtures behind closed doors. Professional rugby is under the Elite sport bracket within the current Covid 19 restrictions.
600 spectators had attended the provinces opening PRO14 encounter against Benetton at the start of the month, in what was the first return of spectators to a rugby match anywhere on the island of Ireland.
In a detailed statement listed below Ulster Rugby noted that decision was taken in line with the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor in Northern Ireland and will be reviewed ahead of their PRO14 fixture against Scarlets on the 22nd of November
ULSTER RUGBY STATEMENT
Ulster Rugby will play its next two home professional fixtures - scheduled to take place over the next four weeks - behind closed doors. This decision is in line with the views of the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor in Northern Ireland who have indicated that it would be unwise for large gatherings to take place at this time.
The decision will be reviewed ahead of the Guinness PRO14 fixture at home to Scarlets on Sunday 22 November.
The latest development in the professional game follows from last week’s announcement, made alongside the IRFU, that all rugby activity below elite level in Northern Ireland will be suspended for four weeks. Clubs in the Republic of Ireland will enter Level 5 government restrictions at midnight tonight, with the IRFU guidelines for operating at this level outlined below.
Ulster Rugby and the IRFU recognise that regulations in Northern Ireland currently permit non-contact outdoor sporting activity for up to 15 people from different households, but have decided to respect the medical advice and suspend all activity with immediate effect, in the spirit of doing the right thing for the sport and the community - helping to keep players, coaches, referees and volunteers safe.
Ulster Rugby and the IRFU continue to be in proactive dialogue with government to secure the necessary hardship funding for the sport at all levels.
