Sharks take no risks after positive tests

THE Sharks preferred to err on the side of caution by calling off their match on Saturday against the Stormers following an outbreak of Covid-19 in their ranks.

A small number of Sharks players tested positive on Monday but the number of teammates they had been in close contact with is high and has meant a significant number of the squad has gone into isolation – the positive players for 14 days and the others for seven.

It is the prerogative of the home side to withdraw from a match and the Sharks felt that it was best to take a drastic measure in order to contain the spread of the virus.

“It is a small outbreak and we have it under control, but we have a responsibility to not put the competition at risk,” said Sharks chief executive Ed Coetzee.

“To not go ahead with the match is unfortunate, and not something anybody would want, but we want to be in the position to play next week, so it is about being cautious,” Coetzee added.

Super Rugby Unlocked wraps up this weekend, with the Bulls officially the champions, and next week the seven teams move on to the first round of the Currie Cup.

Next Friday, the Sharks are set to host the Pumas and they would dearly like that match to go ahead. It is a game they would expect to win, so if it is called off and the points shared, it would be a poor start to the Currie Cup for the Durbanites.

This is the third SRU game to be canceled because of Covid-19. The Lions’ matches against the Cheetahs and Pumas were also casualties of the coronavirus.

The Bulls versus Pumas game will go ahead but has been pushed back from Friday night to Saturday night.

Coetzee said the Sharks will have a second round of testing today.