Nine test positive for Covid-19

Premiership Rugby announced nine positive cases of coronavirus in its latest round of testing.

From 856 tests, seven players and two members of staff were flagged up.

The nine, along with their “close contacts”, will self-isolate for a fortnight. “Close contacts” could include players with whom they have come into physical contact.

With the return of contact training, there will be concerns if any of the positives came from a forward involved in scrummaging or mauling practice.

A track-andtrace system using GPS data and training ground video footage should swiftly identify anyone in that category.

Last week, there were 10 positive tests.