Bristol Bears v London Irish off due to Covid-19

Adam Kyriacou

Premiership Rugby has confirmed that London Irish’s Premiership match against Bristol Bears – scheduled for today – has been called off.

Irish returned positive Covid-19 tests this week, and Premiership Rugby said: “A significant number of their playing squad were ruled out of the match through the contact tracing process.

“This meant London Irish were unable to fulfil the fixture at Ashton Gate, something that was only confirmed this morning.”

It is the second match of the Premiership regular season’s final weekend to be scrapped for Covid-19 reasons, following the cancellation of Gloucester’s trip to Worcester.

Premiership Rugby added that Bristol have been awarded four match points following the cancellation, and Irish two, with the game recorded as a 0-0.

It means that Bristol finish top after the 22-game regular season and will host Harlequins in the play-offs at Ashton Gate next Saturday.

The decision was made by a Premiership Rugby panel comprising chairman Andy Higginson and rugby director Phil Winstanley.

Second match cancelled

Following the cancellation of Gloucester’s trip to Worcester, the Warriors have been awarded four points and Gloucester two by a Premiership Rugby panel.

Irish now have little chance of securing a top-eight finish and Champions Cup qualification next season.

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “Our priority is the health and safety of everyone involved with London Irish and Bristol Bears, and we will give the clubs any support they need. We wish everyone affected a full and speedy recovery.

“Neither Premiership Rugby nor the club will be naming any of the players or staff involved, and we would ask everyone to respect their privacy.”

 

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