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IRFU Commences PCR Testing of Players & Staff Ahead of Return to High Performance Centres

Leinster and Munster players and staff will be the first to have PCR testing done. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) will commence a programme of PCR testing of its senior professional players and high performance staff from Leinster and Munster ahead of their planned return to their respective High Performance Centres next week.

Connacht and Ulster will commence PCR testing next week ahead of their scheduled return on the 29^th June.

The PCR Testing is part of the return to train protocols put in place by the IRFU.

The nationally coordinated PCR testing programme is being carried out by Cork based company Advanced Medical Sciences.

Players, coaches and support staff will undergo a swab test which indicates the presence of the COVID19 virus.

©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

IRFU Medical Director Dr Rod McLoughlin (pictured above), commented, “The PCR testing ahead of the return to the High Performance Centres is an important element of our Return to Training Protocols. All players, coaches and support staff will be tested before being permitted to enter their respective HPCs.”

They will also receive COVID19 education from our medical staff as well as education on the new protocols that have been put in place at each HPC to create a controlled working environment that greatly limits the risk of infection.

The IRFU is coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the COVID19 protocols across our five designated High Performance Centres. We will be working closely with the HPC COVID Managers to support them in the roll-out of the protocols.”

What is PCR Testing?

A swab test removes a sample from a person’s nose or throat. This sample is examined at a molecular level using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to identify the presence of COVID19.

What sports are using PCR testing for COVID19 detection?

League of Ireland, Premier League, English Football League, Bundesliga, La Liga, NZ Rugby, NRL.

How long for test results to be known?

Turnaround time for test results is between 2-4 days

What are the five designated IRFU High Performance Centres?

Connacht HPC (Sportsground), Munster HPC (UL), Leinster HPC (UCD), Ulster HPC (Kingspan Stadium) and IRFU HPC (Sport Ireland Campus).