Latest round of Premiership testing returns 12 positive cases

The sixth week of Premiership Rugby testing has returned 12 positive cases for Covid-19.

According to a statement released by Premiership Rugby, a total of 967 tests were conducted earlier in the week across all the 12 clubs.

Among the 12 positive cases, five clubs were involved including London Irish and Leicester Tigers with their round four games against Bath Rugby and Newcastle Falcons respectively already called-off.

"Premiership Rugby can today confirm the results of this week's PCR COVID-19 screening programme," read the statement.

"On Monday 21 December, 967 players and management from our 12 clubs were tested as part of the PCR COVID-19 screening programme. Of those who were tested 12 people - from five clubs - tested positive. Eight of those who tested positive were players and four were members of staff.

"Those who tested positive and their close contacts are isolated and assessed in line with the PHE-agreed guidelines.

"Premiership Rugby and the RFU are providing this aggregated information for competition integrity and transparency for the second successive season. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided under any circumstances. The number of positive results will be made public after each round of testing."

Weekly Covid-19 Test results:

Week 1 - A total of 967 were tested with seven returning positive.

Week 2 - A total of 983 tested with seven positive.

Week 3 - A total of 986 tested with no positive.

Week 4 - A total of 1034 tested with three positive cases.

Week 5 - A total of 1047 were tested with 18 positive cases.

Week 6 - 967 were tested with 12 positive cases.