The submission of the IRFU’s ‘Return to Train and Play’ protocols follows an extensive and assiduous process involving a wide range of experts, including the IRFU medical team, external medical advisers, strength and conditioning experts, match staging experts, PRO14 officials and the Aviva Stadium team.
Under the proposals, the Aviva Stadium will host behind closed doors Inter-provincial games as part of the completion of the 2019/20 Guinness PRO14 season on 22nd and 23rd August, Browne outlined during a video conference call with members of the media on Friday afternoon.
“Our documents are now with the Government and I would like to acknowledge the cooperation and support we have received from the Government and its agencies, in particular Sport Ireland and The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport,” Browne said.
“Based on these protocols, we have set target dates of 22nd and 23rd August for a return to play with the staging of Guinness PRO14 derby fixtures between the provinces at the Aviva Stadium behind closed doors, as part of the completion of the Guinness PRO14 2019/20 season.
“In these times these matches are not just rugby fixtures, they are a beacon of hope for the entire country. A step, albeit a small one, in Ireland’s opening up to an environment for which the entire country yearns, deserves and has sacrificed so much to win back. We very much look forward to being able to play our part in delivering this much needed tonic for the country.”
In relation to the resumption of international rugby, Browne said it is the IRFU’s ambition to see a resumption of Test matches in the Autumn, but admitted ‘specifically, what this will look like, it is too early to say.’
He explained: “What I can say is that we are proactively engaging with World Rugby and our fellow Unions to work on a program which will deliver international matches here sometime in October or November.
“Obviously as part of this approach we are keeping a close eye on the various top-level sports around the world which are now coming back to play.
“We will take whatever learnings we can from their experiences in order to ensure we meet with the most stringent health directives and guidance around the safety of players, management, all of the support crew and supporters, if involved.”