Sale Sharks react to COVID-19 outbreak

UPDATE: Sale Sharks have insisted their crucial Premiership game at home to Worcester on Sunday will go ahead as planned – despite the Covid-19 outbreak in their squad.

Sale Sharks have revealed that there has been a Covid-19 outbreak in their squad.

However, the Manchester Club have not confirmed the amount of positive Covid-19 cases.

There were fears that the reported huge outbreak, speculated to involve up to 16 players and some staff, would result in Sale having to forfeit the match, an outcome that would likely see the Sharks fall out of the top-four and fail to qualify for next weekend’s semi-finals.

However, they remain confident that the fixture will go ahead and that they can secure the bonus-point win that will guarantee their presence in the semi-finals.

The club released a statement on Friday which read:  “Sale Sharks can confirm that their Gallagher Premiership round 22 match with Worcester Warriors, scheduled for 3 pm on Sunday, will go ahead as planned.

“Although Sale Sharks have been subject to a number of positive Covid-19 tests this week, after a thorough consultation, the club, its healthcare professionals and rugby management are confident the fixture can be fulfilled safely in accordance with all Covid-19 guidelines.

“As directed by Premiership Rugby earlier today, the Sharks matchday-23 to face Worcester Warriors will be announced at 12pm on Saturday. Sale Sharks will make no further comment at this time.”

#NEWS: This could be devastating for @SaleSharksRugby!
🗣️ “There is an outbreak at a top-four club that will seriously impact on the last round of games.”#rugby @premrugby #England https://t.co/etD0EnTE7n

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 2, 2020