Premiership Rugby are planning to postpone the Sale Sharks vs Worcester game rather than cancel, according to The Times,
Chief rugby correspondent at The Times, Owen Slot has tweeted that he’s heard the game will be ‘delayed until Wednesday’ and given the go-ahead if Steve Diamond can get 23 players fit and Covid free.
This was backed up by The Rugby Papers transfer rumour guru Neil Fissler.
Team news was expected to be released at midday, but has yet to appear from Gloucester, Northampton and Sale with no reasons given.
In a statement this morning, 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.”
JOIN THE RUCK:
The Premiership’s three highest earning players in every position
Back-three:
- Charles Piutau (Bristol Bears) – £1m
- Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) – £550k
- Mike Brown (Harlequins) – £300k
Centre:
- Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) – £450k
- Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks) -£350k
- Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby) – £325k
