Shambolic end to Saints' season as they are forced to forfeit Gloucester game

Consequently, Gloucester have been handed a 20-0 victory and maximum points, with Saints getting nothing, leaving them down in eighth in the Gallagher Premiership.

The situation arose after 16 players from Sale Sharks, who Saints played at Franklin's Gardens on Tuesday, tested positive for Covid-19.

While Sale's game against Worcester Warriors has been postponed until Wednesday, Saints had no choice but to forfeit as several members of their playing squad are having to self-isolate after coming into contact with the Sharks players.

Saints were left with just one hooker and one tighthead prop, and they were refused permission to register any loan players to allow them to complete the fixture at Kingsholm.

That has left everyone at the Gardens hugely frustrated as they have been forced to sacrifice not only a chance to pick up points, but also a final league position.

And Saints CEO Mark Darbon said: "It is with deep frustration that Northampton Saints can confirm that the club’s scheduled Gallagher Premiership Round 22 fixture against Gloucester Rugby on Sunday, October 4 at Kingsholm will not take place.

“As a result of a large number of positive Covid-19 tests at Sale Sharks, a number of our playing squad are required to self-isolate following close contact during our game against Sale on Tuesday evening.

“Specifically, this has acutely impacted our front row – an area where we were already significantly depleted owing to a series of injuries.

"Of the 14 front row players in our squad, we are left with just one tighthead prop and one hooker available to be included in the matchday squad.

“As soon as we were aware of the situation, we asked for permission to register loan players beyond the normal deadline in order that we could attempt to complete the fixture.

"We were advised that this dispensation will not be granted.

"We therefore have no option to bring in additional players as cover.

“We are extremely disappointed that our season has ended this way; an outbreak of coronavirus at another Premiership club has left us with no viable option other than to forfeit our game.

“So far, none of our players are symptomatic and, where required, continue to follow all guidance to isolate.”

A Premiership statement was also finally released, less than 24 hours before the scheduled kick-off time at Kingsholm and after Gloucester had already named their team.

The statement read: "Following the completion of the Track and Trace Audit, a number of the Northampton Saints playing squad are now self-isolating, in accordance with Public Health England guidance.

"Premiership Regulations states that "In the interests of safety each team playing in the Premiership must have at least six (6) fit and able Players in the squad who can play at hooker, tight head prop and loosehead prop who are suitably trained and experienced to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement in any front row position is required (whether due to injury or consequent to a Player(s) being temporarily suspended or ordered off) the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums."

And Darren Childs, Premiership Rugby CEO, said: "When we embarked on Rugby Restart back in August we said from the outset that the health and safety of everyone involved with Premiership Rugby was our priority.

"We completed eight of the nine rounds of Gallagher Premiership Rugby without losing a match so it is with great regret that we make this announcement today.

"We understand and fully sympathise with Northampton Saints’ position. They are in this position due to no fault of their own, but unfortunately they cannot fulfil the fixture."