Wasps cleared to play in Premiership final after new round of Covid-19 tests

Wasps have been cleared to play in the Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs following the latest round of Covid-19 testing.

Lee Blackett’s side had been forced to cancel training last week and close their facilities after receiving four positive tests and their participation in Saturday’s final at Twickenham had been put in further jeopardy after another rounds of tests on Saturday revealed that three more players and a member of staff had become infected.

Bristol Bears were informed by Premiership Rugby that they were on standby to be Wasps’ understudies if further testing on Tuesday revealed the outbreak had spread further.

However PRL confirmed on Wednesday morning that Blackett’s side had been cleared to participate following a meeting of the testing oversight committee involving PRL, the Rugby Football Union and Public Health England.

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson confirmed: 'Premiership Rugby can confirm that Wasps have been given the all-clear to take their rightful place in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final against Exeter Chiefs.”

Wasps confirmed that no further players or staff had tested positive from Tuesday’s PCR Covid-19 screening programme.

The club said a test from one of the coaching staff, who tested negative on Saturday, was damaged in transit and that person would be working socially distanced until their result is confirmed.

The team will now return to training in preparation for this Saturday’s final.

“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Premiership Rugby, the RFU, Public Health England and Public Health Warwickshire for their clarity and assistance throughout this whole process.,” said Wasps group chief executive Stephen Vaughan.

“As a club, we are delighted that we can now take our rightful place in this Saturday’s Premiership Rugby Final. To all of our fans and well-wishers, thank you for your many messages of support, this final is for you.”