East Midlands derby between Northampton and Leicester Tigers called off after ‘a number of positive’ Covid tests within the Saints squad
- Northampton’s Premiership game with Leicester on Saturday has been called off
- The Saints returned a number of positives in the latest round of Covid-19 testing
- Leicester can realistically expect to be awarded four points under the new rules
Northampton’s Gallagher Premiership match against Leicester on Saturday has been called off after the Saints returned positives in the latest round of coronavirus testing, Premiership Rugby has announced.
It comes after Saints’ previous Premiership game against London Irish was also called off.
Chris Boyd’s squad will not train again until Monday while ‘further players’ are having to enter isolation due to being in close contact with some positive cases.
Northampton’s Gallagher Premiership match against Leicester on Saturday has been called off
A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: ‘The health and safety of players, management, staff and match officials is our priority.
‘We wish those who have tested positive at Saints a speedy and safe recovery.’
Under Premiership Rugby regulations, a panel will now be convened to determine the allocation of points.
Leicester can realistically expect to be awarded four points and Saints two, with a 0-0 scoreline declared.
It is the fifth Premiership game to be cancelled in such circumstances this season.
More to follow.