Final round of Premiership Rugby matches in doubt after Sale Sharks COVID-19 outbreak
Sale's critical Gallagher Premiership clash with Worcester on Sunday postponed after a number of Sharks players tested positive for coronavirus
Saturday 3 October 2020 17:31, UK
Sale, Gloucester and Northampton have missed Saturday's 12pm team news deadline for the final round of Gallagher Premiership fixtures, putting the final weekend of the season into further doubt.
Premiership Rugby is carrying out an "urgent review" ahead of Sunday's final round of games following several positive coronavirus cases at Sale Sharks.
The Sharks' critical Premiership clash with Worcester on Sunday has now been postponed.
Sale are currently in fourth position and were one of four clubs chasing the final three play-off places.
In a statement on Saturday, 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."
Title-favourites Exeter are already through to next week's semi-finals, but Sale, along with Wasps, Bath and Bristol, also have eyes on the prize.
The fallout could potentially still affect Northampton's trip to Gloucester, after Saints played Sale at Franklin's Gardens on Tuesday evening.
