Team Announcement Postponed. Not Just Us.

[Rossm]

Extracted from Bobby's CovLive coverage.

Today (Friday) was set to be the day we would learn who would be named in the final matchdays squads of the regular Gallagher Premiership season.

However, an email at 10.58am confirmed that the announcements across the 12 clubs would be postponed until Saturday at 12pm.

I hope it's not to do with Covid, but I suspect it may be because of the positive tests at Racing.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Somewhat ominous, bearing in mind the long 7-14 incubation period. Maybe not all teams have had the results back from Monday's testing? I think they all get tested on Monday, and the tests are flown to those labs in Northern Ireland that have been criticised for being so slow for 'normal' customer tests.

[DGP Wasp]

Think you're suspicions are probably about right.  Maybe Sarries have had to have further tests following the Racing announcement before they are able to confirm their selection.  Not normally one to cut Sarries any slack at all, but in the circumstances I think it's fair enough.

Hopefully all OK and they'll be at full strength to see off Bath.

[MarleyWasp]

Nik Simon of the Daily Mail suggests that the delay is due to a significant number of positive Covid tests at Sale and that their match against Worcester is likely to be forfeited as a result.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Nik Simon of the Daily Mail suggests that the delay is due to a significant number of positive Covid tests at Sale and that their match against Worcester is likely to be forfeited as a result.

Oh dear. Well, rules is rules.

[Rossm]

Nik Simon of the Daily Mail suggests that the delay is due to a significant number of positive Covid tests at Sale and that their match against Worcester is likely to be forfeited as a result.

If that is the case, then whatever happens in the Exe game, then we stay in the top 4?

[bigad82]

What happens if Bristol don't get a point from their final game.Exeter straight to the final with a 20-0 win?

[MarleyWasp]

Yes it would guarantee us and Bath a play off spot. Bristol would need a point to go above Sale.

And Worcester would either need Gloucester to lose to Northampton and only get one bonus point, or Gloucester to beat Northampton by 114 points and Northampton to fail to get a try bonus point to qualify for the Champions Cup.

[MarleyWasp]

What happens if Bristol don't get a point from their final game.Exeter straight to the final with a 20-0 win?

Depends if Sale can field a team next week...

[Rossm]

Nik Simon of the Daily Mail suggests that the delay is due to a significant number of positive Covid tests at Sale and that their match against Worcester is likely to be forfeited as a result.

Nik Simon now reporting  a ‘double figure number’ of positive tests at Sharks.

[bigad82]

Nik Simon of the Daily Mail suggests that the delay is due to a significant number of positive Covid tests at Sale and that their match against Worcester is likely to be forfeited as a result.

Nik Simon now reporting  a ‘double figure number’ of positive tests at Sharks.

That not good for anybody.

[COYW15]

Fortunately for all, Mr Diamond in all his wisdom has already provided a solution for this issue
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/aug/11/premiership-clubs-coronavirus-forfeit-20-0-says-sale-director-covid-19?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[Neils]

Fortunately for all, Mr Diamond in all his wisdom has already provided a solution for this issue
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/aug/11/premiership-clubs-coronavirus-forfeit-20-0-says-sale-director-covid-19?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Excellent news that Mr Diamond will accept his punishment should it be necessary!!

[WonkyWasp]

The 'Ripple  Effect' from this could be humungous.  Let's hope it can be controlled and that those testing positive (and all  contacts too) will not be badly effected.

[Steve from Cov]

I hope it doesn’t ruin what was going to be a fantastic finale on Sunday.