Team Announcement Postponed. Not Just Us.

[RBB]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54391167

The Saints vs. Glaws game also at risk, as that was the last match Sharks were involved in, therefore Saints exposed to the virus potentially.

[Shugs]

Unsatisfactory yet satisfactory end assuming Sale forfeit. Can't see how they won't with 16 positive tests in a small squad. For what it's worth I think we'll beat Exeter anyway. Daren't think about long term consequences of a "rugby" outbreak but encouraged by Wasps business news of the last couple of days. Hope all affected recover fully.

[MarleyWasp]

From the Sale Sharks website:

CLUB STATEMENT – GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP ROUND 22

2ND OCTOBER 2020  SAM DIAMOND

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

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 matchday-23 to face Worcester Warriors will be announced at 12:00pm on Saturday 3rd October.

Sale Sharks will make no further comment at this time.

And yes, Sam Diamond, their head of media, is Steve Diamond's son...

[RBB]

Hilarious

[NellyWellyWaspy]

16 may have tested positive, but most of the squad will be self-isolating. Same goes for Saints, and the officials ...

What a mess.

[Bloke in North Dorset]

To be fair all clubs, including Sale, should be congratulated for getting this far without such a problem.  Life can’t be easy for players and support staff who have to live by rules most of us would baulk at to complete the season.

I should also add the families of those staff who are equally sacrificing.

PS they probably have to go through it for most of next season as well. 

[hookender]

I see they are are hoping to sign / register retired 38 year old to get a side together

[Heathen]

Warriors response :

Warriors’ final Gallagher Premiership match of the season against Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell on Sunday is still the subject of discussions between Premiership Rugby and public health officials.

A significant number of Sale players and staff tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and have been re-tested as part of a rigorous process that applies to all clubs and which has been in place since before the 2019/20 season resumed in August.

The sole criterion for deciding whether a match can take place in the current unprecedented and worrying circumstances is the safety of officials and players and staff of both clubs and minimises  the risk of anyone contracting and spreading this killer disease.

Warriors would always prefer the outcome of a match to be decided on the pitch and will do so provided we are satisfied that all the COVID-19 protocols and procedures have been followed and no health risk is posed to our players and staff.

At the moment we are still awaiting confirmation that those protocols and procedures can be met to allow Sunday’s match to proceed as scheduled.

[Dgwasp]

Interesting statement from Worcester.  However it can't be helping their preparation for the game.  I'll not be overly surprised to see a pretty strong Sale side at noon today.