Northampton awarded four points after Premiership game against Newcastle called-off

Premiership Rugby has confirmed that Northampton Saints were awarded four points after their previous round game against Newcastle Falcons was cancelled.

The game which was originally scheduled on 13th February at Franklin's Gardens was called-off after four players in the Newcastle squad was tested positive for Covid-19 with their close contacts also isolated and were forced to close the training ground.

According to the revised Premiership guidelines for Covid affected the games, Northampton were awarded a win along with four points while Newcastle were handed two points.

"The health and safety of players, staff, management and officials is our only priority, so following consultation with local Public Health England officials and the Professional Rugby Testing Oversight Group the correct decision was taken to call the game off," said a Premiership Rugby spokesperson.

"Northampton Saints have been awarded the win and four league points. Newcastle Falcons 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 the Falcons a safe and speedy recovery."

This is the third game involving Northampton Saints that have been cancelled due to Covid with two of the results ended up in their favour.

The result meant Northampton Saints moved to fifth place in the table with 26 points while Newcastle are at seventh place with 23 points.