Sale may forfeit crunch match
THE CHAOTIC climax to the Premiership rugby season took a further twist last night, as Sale pledged to forfeit the rescheduled game against Worcester tomorrow if their Covid-19 outbreak grows. Sale are scrambling to convince authorities they can fulfil the fixture which could catapult them into the play-offs — despite suffering 19 positive test results. The rFU are poised to rule on whether Sale have properly followed track and trace protocols, before further test results are received tomorrow.
SALE last night declared that they will forfeit tomorrow’s rescheduled Premiership fixture against Worcester if they receive one more positive Covid- 19 test result — hours after their opponents claimed they may boycott the game.
The Sharks’ title prospects remained on a knife-edge as they awaited a verdict from the RFU about whether they have complied with protocols after learning about 19 positive cases at the club.
While the governing body are concluding a detailed audit of relevant data and training footage, Sale players are due to have a further round of Covid tests this morning.
a statement from Sale read: ‘If the club feel it is not safe to play and/or receive one additional positive test, Sale Sharks will forfeit their match with Worcester to ensure the health and safety of all concerned.’
Based on recent experience, the expectation is that test results won’t be confirmed until the early hours tomorrow, meaning the game against Worcester at the aJ Bell Stadium can’t be approved until the day it’s due to take place.
Sale are still adamant they can field a virus-free side but their opponents reserve the right to act in their best interests.
alan Solomons, the Warriors’ director of rugby, said: ‘ The decision has to be taken by Premiership Rugby.
‘I presume the RFU and Public Health england are involved. Premiership Rugby, the RFU and PHe are responsible for that decision and the consequences of that decision. Obviously, the over-riding factor is the health and safety of all players, staff and their families.
‘ We need now to get some clarity and certainty. Premiership Rugby need to make the decision on the right basis.
‘at that point, we will hopefully have the relevant facts, so we can consider our position. There are consequences to any decision that is made and they include legal consequences.’
Sale have strongly rejected rumours that the outbreak stems from players and staff celebrating their Premiership Cup victory late last month.
a key element of Sale’s defence against these allegations is that subsequent Covid tests all came back negative. However, they later learned of a ‘false negative’ involving an academy player who trained for two days before the error came to light.
Sale believe this caused the outbreak and insist the authorities were swiftly notified.
as yet, there is no confirmation of the semi-final kick- off times, although exeter’s home game against either Bath, Bristol or Sale will take place on Saturday afternoon. The latest speculation is that Wasps’ clash with either Sale or Bristol in Coventry will also be on Saturday afternoon, which would prevent Sale from being able to pick senior players who have had positive tests but are showing no symptoms.