Harlequins Premiership clash with Worcester is called OFF with several Quins players self-isolating

Harlequins’ Gallagher Premiership clash at Worcester, due to take place on Friday, has been cancelled due to the London club’s inability to field a full front row as a result of contact tracing for coronavirus.

Quins returned a positive test for Covid-19 after their Boxing day defeat by Bristol and now an additional six players have been forced to self-isolate, whittling down their options at prop and hooker.

‘In accordance with PHE guidelines, the seven players will now go into a 10-day isolation period,’ a Harlequins statement read.

In addition, Harlequins have also stood all players down from training for a week in order to ‘minimise the use and possible contamination of the training facility, such is the need to protect the health and wellbeing of players and staff’.

A Premiership Rugby panel will determine the allocation of points, which under the current regulations will see Worcester awarded four points and Quins two on the grounds they are responsible for the cancellation.

‘We would never cancel a match lightly, as we understand the consequences, but we will always put health and safety first,’ a Premiership Rugby spokesperson said.

‘Neither Premiership Rugby nor the club will be naming any of the players or staff involved and we’d ask everyone to respect their privacy.’