The Six Nations encounter between Italy and England at Stadio Olimpico on March 14 has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

It was announced by the Italian government on Wednesday that any sporting events that were staged would be played behind closed doors until April 3.

Six Nations organisers on Thursday stated that the game in Rome will not go ahead as scheduled in a country where the virus has killed 107 people.

The encounter between Ireland and Italy, due to be played in Dublin on Saturday, was postponed last week due to the spread of COVID-19.

A statement issued by the tournament organisers read: "Six Nations notes the decree issued by the Italian Government on March 4 with respect to all upcoming sporting events in that country.

"The decision has now been taken to postpone the three matches between Italy and England (men's, women's, and U20) set to take place over the weekend of March 13/14/15, with the intention to reschedule them at later dates.

"Based on the information that is currently available, all other Six Nations matches are set to go ahead as scheduled. As previously stated, Six Nations fully intends to complete all 15 games across all three championships when time allows. We will refrain from making any rescheduling announcements while we keep assessing the situation."

The statement concluded: "Six Nations will continue to monitor developments with our unions and their respective governments and health authorities. We remain fully supportive of any preventative measures taken in the interests of overall public health in relation to the coronavirus and we will respect instructions provided by government authorities and health organisations.