Edinburgh player tests positive for Covid- 19 after ‘ house party’
● Breach treated ‘ extremely seriously’ ● European match in France goes ahead
Edinburgh Rugby have vowed to take “appropriate actions” against one of their academy players who has tested positive for Covid- 19 after breaking coronavirus rules by attending a house party.
The unnamed player has been criticised by Scotland’s national clinical director Professor Jason Leitch, who said t he breach of government guidance and Scottish Rugby protocols is “clearly unacceptable”.
The player has now been placed in quarantine for 10 days, while three team- mates have also been ordered to self- isolate.
Richard Cock er ill’ s first team have been allowed to fly to France for their European Challenge Cup quarterfinal with Bordeaux despite the incident, but Murrayfield bosses have said they will now launch a full investigation.
In a statement, Edinburgh said: “The positive result is not thought to have originated from within club’s own training bubble at BT Murrayfield and Edinburgh Rugby along with Scottish Rugby are investigating a possible link to a social gathering last week.
“We would treat a suspected breach of our own, and the Government’s public health guidelines, extremely seriously and will take appropriate actions and steps as required.
“Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of our players and staff, and we will continue to closely monitor and support all relevant individuals. Both Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby will also continue to work with the Scottish Government and the Lothian Health Protection Team around any further matters arising from these circumstances.”
The statement added: “Through the club’s own procedures, a further three Edinburgh Academy players have been identified and are now self- isolating in line with government guidelines.
“Potential contact by t he affected player with other members of the Edinburgh squad has been fully reviewed by e x t e r n a l medi c a l p r o - f essionals f rom t he Lothian Health Protection Team and no f ur t her action was required.
Speaking at the Scottish Government’s coronavirus briefing, Prof Leitch said: “This is clearly unacceptable and I’m personally disappointed that after all the hard work that’s gone into the return of elite sport with the rugby authorities that this has happened.
“All four players are now selfisolating and their contacts, including those at the gathering, are being traced.”
Prof Leitch confirmedthat
Edinburgh’s trip to France can go ahead after NHS Lothian and a health protection scheme examined training footage, squad GPS data and club safety measures.
“Based on that, they have advised that it is safe for the squad to travel to France and for the match to go ahead,” he said. “This is a hugely disappointing incident for us and for rugby.
“Rugby, like other performance sports, has been given the go- ahead on the strict condition t hat clubs and players abide by the guidance that has been agreed.
“That’s a message that we have re-emphasised very strongly to the relevant parties yesterday and today.
“I spoke yesterday and this morning to the leaders at Scottish Rugby and they are taking this incident very seriously indeed.
“I’ve asked them to check and recheck their protocols and procedures and report back to me a week today.”
Edinburgh added: “All club personnel have been advised to remain vigilant and be aware of, and report, any subsequent symptoms. Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby would like to thank the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland for sharing their respective expertise and advice in the handing of this case.”