Leinster have confirmed that a number of players have tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of their scheduled Heineken Champions Cup clash away to Montpellier on Friday.
With three senior players and a staff member having tested positive last week, Leinster confirmed today that it was "assisting an additional number of senior players who have tested positive for Covid-19."
The news comes after Leinster cancelled training on Monday ahead of this latest round of PCR test results.
In their statement, Leinster confirmed the positive tests without specifying the number of players involved.
"Leinster Rugby can confirm that the club is assisting an additional number of senior players who have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating.
"The latest cases follow the antigen and PCR testing which were carried out at Leinster Rugby on all players, coaches and staff.
"The HSE has been informed in accordance with public health guidelines, as has EPCR.
"The remaining members of the Leinster Rugby squad will train today in UCD and will continue to test daily and take all necessary precautions ahead of Friday's Heineken Champions Cup game against Montpellier in France."
Earlier, Montpellier had reported a fifth positive Covid-19 test themselves, with two players and two staff members already deemed as positives.
"Following the series of tests carried out on Monday, December 13, Montpellier Herault Rugby formalises a new positive case for Covid-19 within the group," read a statement posted on Montpellier’s official website.
"This is the fifth case of contamination detected over a period of seven days in the Herault workforce, which considerably impacts the preparation for the match against Leinster Rugby scheduled for Friday, December 17.
"In view of the latest results, the people concerned have been isolated and the team is now carrying out training in separate groups before being tested again this Wednesday, December 15.
"The club remains mobilised by continuing to apply a strict and rigorous health policy in order to preserve the health of its players and staff."
Montpellier opened their European Cup campaign with a 42-6 defeat against Exeter last weekend, while Leinster defeated Bath 45-20.
Leinster planned a full round of testing on Monday, with training postponed as a precautionary measure until all results are confirmed.
Leinster head coach Cullen noted last week that all teams would have to get used to Covid disruptions, with the virus playing havoc with playing squads of several clubs.
In the event of a cancellation, the outcome is a 28-0 walkover in favour of the team deemed not responsible for the outbreak, with Bristol being awarded such a victory against Scarlets last weekend.
