BREAKING NEWS: Wasps are given the all-clear to play in the Premiership final despite a string of coronavirus cases… leaving standby side Bristol free for an end-of-season party!
- Wasps were struck down by a series of positive coronavirus tests last week
- They had to stop training and their Premiership final place was in serious doubt
- Bristol Bears cancelled plans for end-of-season party in case they were called in
- Wasps have now been given the all-clear to play in the Twickenham showpiece
Wasps have been given the green light to face Exeter in Saturday’s Premiership final after their latest round of Covid testing.
Lee Blackett’s side were rocked by a series of positive tests last week and subsequently had to stand down from training.
Bristol had been placed on standby to replace them at Twickenham, but Wasps were cleared to play on Wednesday morning after receiving results overnight.
Wasps have been cleared to play in this Saturday’s Premiership final after more Covid testing
Lee Blackett’s side will take to the field at Twickenham on Saturday despite a major scare
A Premiership Rugby spokesperson confirmed: ‘Premiership Rugby can confirm that Wasps have been given the all-clear to take their rightful place in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final against Exeter Chiefs.
‘Everyone at Premiership Rugby is delighted to confirm Wasps’ place after the latest round of PCR COVID-19 tests.’
Wasps had discovered on Monday that three more of their players and another member of staff had tested positive for the virus, taking their total number of cases to 11.
Exeter, and director of rugby Rob Baxter, were waiting to hear who their opponents would be
Bristol Bears coach Pat Lam put an end-of-season party on hold in case they were called up
With all those involved and their ‘close contacts’ forced into isolation, Wasps faced having to pull out of the final, with Bristol — the team they thrashed 47-24 in the semis — taking their place.
Bristol had to hurriedly scramble to re-focus, after a few days spent celebrating their European Challenge Cup success, believing their season was over.
But they will now be able to crack open the champagne once more after it was confirmed that Wasps will be able to take to the field at Twickenham this weekend.
