Sale’s Premiership finale to go ahead

Sale Sharks have officially confirmed that Sunday’s match against the Worcester Warriors will take place despite several players returning positive Covid-19 tests.

Reports from England suggested that Sale may be forced to forfeit their final round-robin game against the Warriors this Sunday after 16 of their players tested positive for coronavirus.

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The Sale Sharks are currently in fourth place on the Premiership table and fighting to secure a place in the semi-finals, with the fifth-placed Bristol Bears breathing down their necks with just points difference separating the two sides.

If Sale were forced to forfeit their match, second-placed Wasps and third-placed Bath would be guaranteed a place in the playoffs and the Bears would need just one point against the London Irish to qualify.

However, a club statement late on Saturday confirmed that Sale’s match against Worcester will go ahead as originally scheduled.

‘Sale Sharks can confirm that their Gallagher Premiership round 22 match with Worcester Warriors, scheduled for 3pm on Sunday, 4 October, will go ahead as planned,’ the statement read.

‘Although Sale Sharks have been subject to a number of positive Covid-19 tests, 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 match-day 23 to face Worcester Warriors will be announced at 12pm on Saturday, 3 October.

‘Sale Sharks will make no further comment at this time.’

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