Newcastle awarded win for Covid cancelled game against Sale Sharks

The Premiership Rugby has announced that four points has been awarded to Newcastle Falcons following their cancelled Gallagher Premiership fixture against Sale Sharks last weekend.

The game which was set to be hosted by Kingston Park on Saturday was called off after the Sale Sharks squad members reported a "significant number" of positive cases for Covid-19 in the latest round of testing.

According to the Premiership Rugby regulations for Covid affected games, the fixture was deemed a 0-0 draw with Sale Sharks, who were responsible for the decision awarded two points while four points were handed over to the Falcons.

"The health and safety of players, staff, management and officials is our priority, so following consultation with Professional Game Board Testing Oversight Group and Sale Sharks the correct decision was taken to call the game off," read a statement from a Premiership Rugby spokesperson.

"Newcastle Falcons have been awarded the win and four league points. Sale Sharks shall be deemed to have lost the match but awarded two league points. The match score shall be recorded as 0–0.

"We wish those affected at Sale Sharks a safe and speedy recovery."

The result meant Newcastle Falcons now have moved to the 8th place with 24 points while Sale Sharks are at 11th place with 19 points.