Wales and Ireland clash postponed

Saturday's Six Nations international between Wales and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium has been postponed.

The decision has been taken following extensive discussion between the Irish government, Irish Rugby Football Union, their Welsh counterparts and the Six Nations organisers.

The Irish government were concerned at the number of supporters likely to leave the Emerald Isle and risk bringing the virus spreading foot and mouth disease round England and Wales back with them.

A new date has yet to be set for the game, although the on-going crisis seems set to rule it out of the near future.Ireland are unbeaten in the competition and were expected to record another win to set up a potential Grand Slam decider with England in Dublin on March 24.

However, there must now be a question mark over that game, as well as Ireland's visit to Murrayfield to face Scotland in what was due to be the final game in the competition on April 7.

Problems which have occurred with foot and mouth disease being identified at farms around the port of Anglesey in north Wales, through which many Irish fans were expected to travel, led to the increased fears which forced the Irish government to request the IRFU to ask for the game to be called off.