Northampton handed win after game against London Irish cancelled

Northampton Saints have been awarded a win for their cancelled fifth round Gallagher Premiership fixture against London Irish.

The game scheduled to be played on 3rd January at Community Stadium was called-off after the Exiles players returned positive tests for Covid-19.

As a result, the club had a number of players in self-isolation also forcing their training facility to be closed.

“Following London Irish’s inability to fulfil their Gallagher Premiership Rugby round five fixture against Northampton Saints as a result of Covid-19, Saints have been awarded the win and four league points," said a Premiership Rugby spokesperson.

“London Irish shall be deemed to have lost the match but awarded two league points. The match score shall be recorded as 0–0.

“The health and safety of players, staff, management, officials and supporters is our only priority, so the correct decision was taken to call the game off.”

Northampton Saints now have two wins from five games that has taken them to eighth place with 11 points while London Irish are at 10th.