Worcester's Premiership game against Gloucester called-off

The 21st round of the Gallagher Premiership game between Worcester and Gloucester has been cancelled.

A statement released by Worcester revealed that they were left with just 18 players after 36 of their squad members were unavailable for the encounter either through illness, injuries or Covid-19.

The game was originally scheduled to be played on Friday at Kingsholm.

"We currently have 36 players unavailable due to injury, illness or COVID-19, leaving us with only 18 fully fit players, of whom just three are prop forwards.

"When the side to face Gloucester was announced on Thursday we named the only four fit props in the club at that stage. The availability of Murray McCallum, who was named as replacement tighthead, was subject to him passing a fitness test on Friday morning. Unfortunately, Murray failed that fitness test.

"Gloucester and Premiership Rugby have now been notified that we no longer have sufficient fit and available front row forwards to allow tonight’s match to proceed safely.

"We apologise to Gloucester, supporters of both clubs and BT Sport for the inconvenience this will inevitably cause but exceptional circumstances have conspired against us."

An independent Panel will now convene to decide the allocation of points for both the clubs.

Worcester Warriors are positioned 11th in the Gallagher Premiership table with five wins from 19 matches while Gloucester are at fifth position.