Outbreak.

Premiership Rugby have released a statement on the situation at Sale Sharks confirming an urgent review in currently being undertaken to determine if their game with Worcester Warriors can take place or not on Sunday.

Sale have been hit with a major COVID-19 outbreak, delaying all team announcements, but came out last night to state that their game will still go ahead as they look to book a play-off spot.

But Premiership Rugby are refusing to confirm the game will definitely go ahead as they look to prevent the season descending into chaos.

Steve Diamond’s side need a win this weekend to guarantee a place in the play-offs with Bristol needing just one point against London Irish to overtake them should their game with Worcester be cancelled.

“Premiership Rugby can confirm that it is carrying out an urgent review ahead of Sunday’s final round of Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches,” a statement read.

“Sale Sharks announced last night that they had suffered “a number of positive COVID-19 tests” this week, and we are aware there are also positive tests at other clubs.”

Darren Childs, Chief Executive of Premiership Rugby said:

“The health and well-being of our players and staff is our priority.

“More than 900 PCR COVID-19 screening tests were carried out on Thursday. On Friday we received the results, which was followed by a comprehensive Contact Tracing programme at our clubs, created by those positive tests.

“These results are being analysed with the help of Public Health England and the local health authorities involved. This will allow a decision to be made over the Sale Sharks v Worcester Warriors match, and any others that have been affected by positive results.

“We understand the stakes are very high this weekend but we have a responsibility to everyone involved with Premiership Rugby to ensure a methodical process is followed, and this cannot be rushed.”