Sunday's Gallagher Premiership game between Sale Sharks and Worcester has been postponed due to a number of positive coronavirus test results at Sale.
16 Sale players tested positive for coronavirus and the club indicated on Friday that they wanted the game to go ahead to avoid forfeiting it as that would result in a 20-0 defeat and potentially jeopardise their hopes of a top-four finish.
League chiefs have also revealed that they have been made aware of positive tests at other clubs.
The Sale and Worcester game, which is the final fixture of the season for both clubs, has now been moved to Wednesday and will only take place if a number of safety measures are met.
In a statement on Saturday afternoon, Darren Childs, chief executive of Premiership Rugby, said,
"The health and well-being of our players and staff is our priority.
"More than 900 PCR COVID-19 screening tests were carried out on Thursday.
"On Friday we received the results, which was followed by a comprehensive Contact Tracing programme at our clubs, created by those positive tests.
"These results are being analysed with the help of Public Health England and the local health authorities involved. This will allow a decision to be made over the Sale Sharks v Worcester Warriors match, and any others that have been affected by positive results.
"We understand the stakes are very high this weekend but we have a responsibility to everyone involved with Premiership Rugby to ensure a methodical process is followed, and this cannot be rushed."
Meanwhile, a statement on Sale Sharks' website on Saturday afternoon read,
"In relation to recent media speculation surrounding a COVID-19 outbreak at Sale Sharks, the club can now confirm that there have been a number of positive tests this week.
"The wellbeing of all Premiership Rugby’s players, staff and officials remain Sale Sharks’ number one priority.
"Although a significant number of positive tests have been recorded, Sale Sharks have stringently followed PRL and RFU protocols throughout the pandemic in order to contain the spread of the virus.
"The club is therefore in a position to fulfil its Gallagher Premiership Round 22 fixture with Worcester Warriors, scheduled for this Sunday at 3pm.
"However, after Worcester Warriors expressed concerns regarding the Safety of the fixture taking place on Sunday, we sought advice from Public Health England, and Sale Sharks, Worcester Warriors and Premiership Rugby have decided to postpone the match until Wednesday 7th October 2020 to allow further COVID 19 testing to take place prior to the fixture.
"Sale Sharks would like to reassure its supporters that all of the club’s players and staff are currently well."
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