Newcastle v Sale game called off due to Covid-19

Planet Rugby

Newcastle Falcons’ Premiership match against Sale Sharks, scheduled for Boxing Day, has been called off.

Sale returned positive Covid-19 tests overnight and a significant number of their playing squad were ruled out of the match.

After consultation, both the Professional Game Board Testing oversight group and the clubs agree that the risk is too great for the fixture to take place safely.

Supporting the affected clubs

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “Our priority is the health and safety of everyone involved with Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons 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’d ask everyone to respect their privacy.”

Under the Premiership Rugby regulations, the match between Newcastle and Sale will be cancelled. A Premiership Rugby panel will now be convened to determine the allocation of points and a further announcement will be made in due course.