England Six Nations squad on red alert over St Edward's School coronavirus threat

England meanwhile have yet to receive any indication that their Six Nations showdown with Italy in Rome next month will be called off.

The men’s, women’s and under-20 teams all play Italy on March 14 and 15 and while Rome has yet to be affected, the women’s match is scheduled to go ahead in Padua, which has been locked down.

Around 20,000 England supporters are expected to travel to the Italian capital for the men’s fixture.

Ireland’s matches with Italy, set across March 7 and 8, we’re postponed this week after Irish Health Minister Simon Harris met with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

Philip Browne, the head of the IRFU, said in a statement: “Ireland v Italy international matches should not proceed in the interests of public health.

source: express.co.uk