Newcastle v Sale clash called off

NEWS: The English Premiership match between Newcastle and Sale on Sunday has been cancelled because of Covid-19 positives.

Sale returned positive tests and a significant number of their playing squad were ruled out of the match.

After consultation, both the Professional Game Board (PGB) Testing Oversight Group and the club agree that the risk is too great for the fixture to take place safely.

The announcement followed confirmation that Cardiff’s Boxing Day derby clash with Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship had been postponed.

All four URC games scheduled for Boxing Day have now been called off.

Premiership Rugby said their testing oversight group and Sale had agreed the risk is too great for the game to go ahead.

“Our priority is the health and safety of everyone involved with Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons and we will give the clubs any support they need. We wish everyone affected a full and speedy recovery,” a Premiership Rugby spokesperson said.

Under the regulations, the match is cancelled and a Premiership Rugby panel will determine the allocation of points.

AFP & @premrugby