Covid-19 outbreak prompts cancellation of West derby
THE West Country derby between Gloucester Rugby and Bath Rugby has been cancelled this weekend following an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Cherry and Whites camp, writes John Evely.
Hartpury Rugby, who train at the same location as Gloucester, had their Championship fixture against Saracens cancelled last weekend following a small number of players in the Hartpury squad testing positive for the virus.
Gloucester beat London Irish 30-28 on Saturday in the Gallagher Premiership with the fixture uncompromised by Covid.
However, Premiership Rugby yesterday confirmed that Gloucester Rugby’s Gallagher Premiership
Rugby match against Bath Rugby Rugby this weekend had been called off.
The Kingsholm club said: “Gloucester Rugby have taken the decision to stop all training following a Covid-19 outbreak within the camp. Therefore, our game with Bath Rugby this weekend has been called off.
“We are wishing all of our players and staff affected by this outbreak a speedy recovery.”
The club said it was working closely with Public Health England and Premiership Rugby and continued to act upon the advice offered. As a precautionary measure, and in the interests of the wellbeing of staff, the club has also taken the decision to close Kingsholm Stadium.
Under Premiership regulations, the match with Bath will be cancelled and a panel will determine the allocation of points.
A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “Our priority is the health and safety of everyone involved with Gloucester Rugby and Bath Rugby 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.”
Gloucester currently sit 10th in the table but are now withing two points of the top eight and earning an all important place in the European Champions Cup.
The Cherry and Whites were due to host ninth place Bath Rugby his weekend in Round 21 of the Premiership, followed by 12th place Worcester Warriors away.
» Bath hooker Ross Batty has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
After a 16-year career, 11 of which were spent at The Rec, the 34-yearold will hang up his boots at the end of the season on medical advice following a neck injury sustained at the end of 2020.
Batty, who made over 170 appearances for the club, said: “I’m massively proud to have been here at this club for so long; to achieve this many games at Bath Rugby is something I’m unbelievably proud of. I never got the chance to play at a higher level so I made a firm belief to give everything for Bath when I played. I’m happy and grateful to have had the opportunity.”
Batty, who hails from Tyneside, is set to remain in the city of Bath as he embarks upon a new career.
“I’m really looking forward to the future and what might come next for me,” he said. “I’m going to stay down here for the foreseeable future as I love this part of the world. I’ve just got a job with Stonewood Builders. I’m very happy.”