Premiership Rugby today confirmed that Warriors have been awarded four points and Harlequins two following the cancellation of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Round Five match which was scheduled to be played at Sixways on New Year’s Day.
The decision has been made by a Premiership Rugby Panel comprising Premiership Rugby Chairman Andy Higginson, Chief Executive, Darren Childs and Rugby Director, Phil Winstanley.
The match was cancelled after Harlequins returned one positives test in this week’s round of PCR testing. In addition, since testing took place on Monday December 28, Harlequins had 13 players self-isolating, of which four are front row players. This meant that Harlequins were unable to fulfil a fixture as a result of Covid-19, and the match was cancelled.
Premiership Regulations state 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 loose head 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. In the event that a Club is unable to field those six players, the Match shall be cancelled.”
A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “Following Harlequins’ inability to fulfil their Gallagher Premiership Rugby Round Five fixture against Worcester Warriors as a result of Covid-19, Warriors have been awarded the win and four league points. Harlequins shall be deemed to have lost the match but awarded two league points. The match score shall be recorded as 0–0.
“It is crucial that every team has six fit and able players in the squad who can play in the front row. Anything else would risk and health and safety of the players.”
Click here to read the clauses about Covid in the Premiership Rugby regulations