Saints' clash with Newcastle cancelled due to Covid-19

The announcement came on Friday morning, with Saints having already selected their side to take on the Falcons.

On Wednesday evening, it was confirmed by Premiership Rugby that two players had tested positive for Covid-19, and both were from the same club.

That club was Newcastle, meaning the Falcons won't be able to fulfil this weekend's fixture.

It means Saints are set to be awarded four league points, just as they were when their game at London Irish was cancelled at the start of January.

The black, green and gold were due to play Leicester Tigers the week after the trip to Irish, but a Covid-19 outbreak at the Gardens saw that game cancelled, too.

It means Saints have now see three Premiership matches called off, with two of them because of Covid cases elsewhere.

And Saints CEO Mark Darbon said: "This is another disappointing cancellation for Northampton Saints, given the side has been really gathering some momentum over the last two weeks and was looking forward to playing again on Saturday.

“We were anticipating a great contest with the Falcons, but of course in light of this week’s testing results, this is absolutely the right course of action and we wish everyone affected at Newcastle a quick recovery.”

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson added: “The health and safety of players, management, staff and match officials is our priority so the decision has made to call the match off.

“We wish those who have tested positive at the Falcons a safe and speedy recovery. Neither Premiership Rugby nor the club will be naming any of the players or staff involved and we'd ask everyone to respect their privacy.”