Wasps squad set for extra Covid testing as final looms
WASPS players will undergo an extra round of Covid-19 testing this weekend.
Four players and three members of staff recorded positive results for the virus following the scheduled testing day on Tuesday.
Training for the remainder of the week was immediately cancelled on Wednesday when the results were learned.
With a Premiership final to prepare for on Saturday, October 24 against Exeter Chiefs, the next round of testing is due to take place on Tuesday, October 20.
However, with the results landing 24 hours later, it could leave Wasps with just a few days to assemble a squad for the Twickenham final.
The Coventry Telegraph understands Wasps immediately sought advice about acquiring an extra round of testing that has been successful. Players will be tested today, with the results available tomorrow or Monday morning.
The squad will not reassemble until the extent of outbreak has been learned.
The Telegraph also understands that the four players who have tested positive were a mix of academy players and young members of the senior squad, players who were unlikely to feature in their final match of the season.
Track-and-trace analysis is being carried out to ascertain whether those players affected came into close contact with other members of the squad.
The best case scenario for Wasps is that the players concerned are the only ones to return positive tests and Wasps can prepare for the final without them.
If the testing returns more positive results, but a low number, Wasps should still be fine to field a competitive 23-man squad.
The worst case scenario would see multiple additional positive test results that would leave them unable to fulfil the fixture and they would have to forfeit. In that case, Exeter Chiefs would be awarded the trophy, or a losing semi-finalist could be promoted to the final.
Wasps revealed the news of positive tests within the camp on Wednesday