Rugby-Ireland Six Nations clash with Italy to go ahead

DUBLIN, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Ireland will be able to resume their Six Nations campaign in Dublin against Italy on Saturday after the Irish government exempted elite sport when it moved the country to the highest level of COVID-19 restrictions for six weeks on Monday.

Ireland's Six Nations clash with Italy became the first big novel coronavirus sporting casualty in the country in March and the rearranged game was in doubt as the government's original framework called for a ban on elite sport under the top level.

The exemption means Ireland's home Autumn Nations Cup in November and December are also set to go ahead, as is the national soccer team's Nations League game in Dublin against Bulgaria on Nov. 18.

Both Ireland and Italy have only played three Six Nations matches compared to the four completed by the other sides. A bonus point win for the hosts would put Ireland one point ahead of England and France going into the final round of games. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin, editing by Pritha Sarkar)