Six Nations chiefs face a major logistical task after next week's clash between Ireland and Italy was postponed due to the risk posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

The Irish Rugby Football Union announced the decision following a meeting with Irish Health Minister Simon Harris and his advisers on Wednesday.

China has reported 77,658 cases and 2,663 deaths following the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus that has spread to a variety of countries, including Italy, where authorities have swiftly put in restrictions.

UEFA is working to the existing timetable for Euro 2020, which kicks off on June 12 in Rome, but say the situation will be under constant review.

And cycling's world governing body the UCI admitted it was impossible to predict whether races in Italy may also need to be cancelled.

Organisers RCS have already said that Milan-San Remo, one of the biggest one-day races on the world calendar, may not go ahead on March 21 as it is due to visit affected areas.

Before then, the one-day Strade Bianche and the week-long Tirreno-Adriatico are due to take place in the country, while the running of the Giro d'Italia in May could be in doubt.