Saracens' Championship game against Hartpury University postponed

Saracens' round 11 Championship game to be played on Saturday at Stonex Stadium has been postponed following positive Covid-19 cases in Hartpury squad.

According to a statement released a small number of Hartpury squad members along with their close contacts are now under self isolation.

Meanwhile, RFU Disputes Committee will determine the next course of action.

"The interim decision to postpone the fixture has been taken by the Rugby Football Union after a number of Hartpury University players tested positive for COVID-19 and several other players are now isolating as close contacts," read the statement.

"The decision follows the detailed medical protocols in place to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all players and support staff is protected".

Saracens are positioned second in the Championship table after eight wins from nine matches but have a nine point lead over third placed Doncaster Knights.

Vice-Chancellor of Hartpury University and the Chairman of the rugby Russell Marchant expressed disappointment on missing the opportunity to play Saracens but insisted that the right decision was made to contain the outbreak.

"We are extremely disappointed that our young squad could miss the chance to play against some world class players, an experience that will provide them with special memories. We await the outcome of the Disputes Committee.

"We regret the need for this decision, which is based upon a small number of positive cases within our squad. Unfortunately with a significant rise in local and national cases this week, this was always a risk.

"However we are pleased that our strong testing programme successfully detected these cases, preventing spread to the Saracens players and beyond.”