Urgent review of Premiership clubs after Covid-19 scare

David Skippers

Premiership Rugby CEO Darren Childs during the Gallagher Premiership Launch at Twickenham, London.

The news that 16 Sale Sharks players tested positive for Covid-19 has led to Premiership Rugby conducting an “urgent review” ahead of Sunday’s final round of regular-season fixtures.

Premiership Rugby says it is conducting an “urgent review” ahead of the regular-season finale after a host of Sale players tested positive for coronavirus ahead of their crunch clash against Worcester.

Sale indicated on Friday the match would go ahead as they look to avoid forfeiting the game – which would result in a 20-0 defeat and potentially jeopardise their hopes of a top-four finish.

Darren Childs, chief executive of Premiership Rugby said: “The health and well-being of our players and staff is our priority.

“More than 900 PCR COVID-19 screening tests were carried out on Thursday. On Friday we received the results, which was followed by a comprehensive Contact Tracing programme at our clubs, created by those positive tests.

“These results are being analysed with the help of Public Health England and the local health authorities involved. This will allow a decision to be made over the Sale Sharks v Worcester Warriors match, and any others that have been affected by positive results.

“We understand the stakes are very high this weekend but we have a responsibility to everyone involved with Premiership Rugby to ensure a methodical process is followed, and this cannot be rushed.”