Sale deny partying players triggered Covid outbreak

SALE have denied suggestions a coronavirus outbreak came as a consequence of their players flouting social-distancing rules.

The Sharks say they carried out an internal investigation into allegations players went out celebrating their Premiership Cup final triumph and are satisfied the outbreak – which saw 16 players and three staff members test positive – is more likely to be the result of an initial ‘false-negative’.

Sale’s rescheduled final game of the regular season against Worcester is due to be played tomorrow but the club – who will miss out on the play-offs if they lose – say they will forfeit the game if safety cannot be guaranteed.

A statement last night read: ‘Following an internal investigation, Sale Sharks refute all allegations made in the national press and by other leading figures from Premiership Rugby clubs, regarding players being in central Manchester or on university campuses following the Premiership Rugby Cup final on Monday 21st September.

‘Sale Sharks is unable at this moment to confirm the cause of the Covid-19 outbreak at the club. We suspect the cause of the outbreak is related to a “false-negative” test result received in respect of one of our players.

‘If the club feel it is not safe to play and/or receive one additional positive test, Sale Sharks will forfeit their round-22 match with Worcester Warriors to ensure the health and safety of all concerned.’

The Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby and Public Health England will be involved in the final decision.

Worcester boss Alan Solomons said: ‘That decision is taken purely in what is in the best interests of players, staff and families. This is a major decision.

‘It is certainly a red flag to have 19 people test positive. We just need to get some clarity and certainty. Premiership Rugby need to make a decision, working in conjunction with the RFU and Public Health England.’

It’s certainly a red flag to have 19 people test positive. We need to get clarity