LONDON, ENGLAND – Premiership Rugby can today confirm that it has started its pre-season PCR COVID-19 screening program ahead of the 2020-21 season with seven clubs taking part last week and nine this week. We expect all 12 clubs to take part next week.
On 26 October, 520 players and management from seven clubs were tested as part of the PCR COVID-19 screening program. Of those who were tested ten people – from five different clubs – tested positive. Eight of those who tested positive were players and two were members of staff.
On 2 November, 718 players and management from nine clubs were tested as part of the PCR COVID-19 screening programme. Of those who were tested 17 people – from eight different clubs – tested positive. Eleven of those who tested positive were players and six 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.
