Sale clash cancelled as Sharks register more positive Covid tests

The Sale saga has finally reached its conclusion after the Sharks' regular-season finale against Worcester Warriors was cancelled on Wednesday morning.
The next competitive game at the AJ Bell Stadium will be between Saints and SaleThe next competitive game at the AJ Bell Stadium will be between Saints and Sale
The next competitive game at the AJ Bell Stadium will be between Saints and Sale

Sale registered a further eight positive Covid-19 tests, taking their total to 27.

They had initially been allowed to postponed their scheduled clash with the Warriors, which was initially due to take place on Sunday.

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But having said they would forfeit should they receive one further positive test result from Tuesday's screening process, the game is now off.

Premiership Rugby CEO Darren Childs said: “I have spoken to Sale Sharks this morning and neither the club or Premiership Rugby will take risks with people’s health.

“Together we won’t compromise our commitment that matches will only happen if it is safe to do so, therefore the game is off. Today’s decision demonstrates that commitment.

“Our first thoughts are now with those at the club, both players and management, who have tested positive and we wish them a speedy recovery.

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"We mustn’t forget we have a significant number of people at one of our clubs with Covid-19, and we will give the Sharks all the support they need.

“We know everyone at Sale Sharks will be devastated, and we share their disappointment that their season ends this way. But we can’t jeopardise the health of any players, staff or management at any of our clubs.

"This is why we took action at the weekend to prevent the match going ahead on its original date, and again today to cancel the game.

“We all love rugby and want it to thrive and grow but sport has to be put in perspective compared to the devastating effects of Covid-19.

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"We aren’t prepared to take unnecessary risks with people’s health.

“We stated there was no room in the calendar for matches to be postponed but last weekend the health of everyone involved took precedent to ensure the Sale Sharks squad could be tested again, following the initial positive tests.

"Those concerns were proved today when we saw an additional eight positive tests.

"People fight hard for points in Gallagher Premiership Rugby, and for a place in the semi-final but everyone agrees this has to take second place to people’s health and well-being.

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“Covid-19 has created the biggest challenges rugby has ever faced, as it threatens the future of the game, but with this case resolved, it is now crucial we now look forward to two compelling Gallagher Premiership Rugby semi-finals on Saturday, which are followed by two of our clubs contesting European Finals the weekend after and our season ending on a high at Twickenham Stadium on October 24.”

As required under the Professional Game Board’s Minimum Operating Standards, Sale Sharks will now complete their contact tracing and will isolate any contacts (of those players who tested positive) for a period of 14 days.

An independent audit, by the RFU, of the track and trace processes at Sale Sharks is also being undertaken.

As for Worcester, they are given a 20-0 win, leaving them ninth in the Gallagher Premiership standings, level on points with Saints.

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The Warriors still harboured hopes of a top-eight place, which brings Champions Cup rugby for next season, going into the final weekend of this campaign.

But Saints were forced to forfeit their game at Gloucester on Sunday as their brush with Sale at Franklin's Gardens last week left them with several players having to self-isolate.

And that meant Gloucester grabbed the five points they needed to book their place in Europe's top tier tournament, leaving Worcester needing to beat Sale by more than 91 points to overhaul Saints.

And after the plug was pulled on Wednesday's game, Warriors' fate was sealed as they were consigned to the Challenge Cup for next season.

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Worcester released a statement after the game at Sale was cancelled.

It read: "Worcester Warriors welcome Premiership Rugby's decision to cancel tonight’s Gallagher Premiership match against Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium.

"This is the right outcome for the safety of all players, staff and officials involved although we do have sympathy for Sale that such an important match has been decided in this way.

"Sadly, we are playing rugby in the middle of a pandemic and in unprecedented circumstances. While it is desirable to retain the integrity of all competitions as much as possible, ultimately the health and safety of all involved has to be the absolute priority.

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"Now we know that our own players are not at any increased risk, our thoughts are with those at Sale and Northampton Saints who have tested positive for Covid-19. We wish them all a speedy recovery and hope that no further cases are reported.

"Hopefully the remainder of the season can be completed safely and securely to provide a fitting finale on the pitch."

The Premiership top four is now set in stone, meaning Exeter Chiefs will host Bath and Wasps will entertain Bristol Bears. Both games take place on Saturday.

Sale finish fifth, with their next competitive game not coming until next season, when they host Saints in a tasty opener at the AJ Bell Stadium, on November 20.

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And the Sharks expressed their disappointment at how things have panned out as they released a statement on Wednesday morning.

The statement read: "Sale Sharks has worked closely with Premiership Rugby, Public Health England and Public Health North West, the RFU and Worcester Warriors and would like to thank all parties for their contribution during this challenging period.

"This is devastating for Sale Sharks, the players and staff with Covid-19 denying the club the chance to challenge for the Premiership title at the final hurdle. Sale Sharks and all involved with the club are determined to come back stronger than ever in time for next season.

"The owners are very proud of, and grateful to, the players and staff for the effort that has been demonstrated throughout the protracted season and particularly over this past week.

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"Sale Sharks would like to thank all its supporters for wishing the club’s players and staff a speedy recovery during these difficult circumstances. They would like to reassure those well-wishers that no-one who has been infected has any serious health concerns at present.

"The club will continue to ensure that everybody is closely monitored and supported over the coming weeks.

"Although everyone at Sale Sharks is disappointed to see our campaign end in this manner, the club wholly understand that the welfare of players, staff and officials is the most important factor.

"Throughout the last six months, we have followed the official guidelines and protocols given to us by the RFU and Premiership Rugby, with rigorous testing regimes and safety measures in place to protect everyone connected to the game.

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"Sale Sharks is confident the audit carried out by the RFU over the past few days will confirm this absolutely.

"Reports over the weekend suggesting our players acted irresponsibly by partying and socialising throughout Manchester after our Premiership Rugby Cup victory are completely inaccurate and untrue.

"Health and Safety has always been our top priority throughout the return of professional rugby in England and we have an important role to play in supporting the Premiership Rugby players that have tested positive for this terrible virus."