The rugby international between the Barbarians and Samoa was called off only 90 minutes before kickoff at Twickenham on Sunday (NZ time) due to six confirmed cases of the coronavirus among the Barbarians players and staff.
The decision was made following a recommendation by the Professional Game Testing Oversight Group, the Rugby Football Union said.
“We appreciate that this is an extremely disappointing situation for the many fans due to attend,” the RFU said, “but the safety of all members of both teams is our priority.”
Four players and two members of staff have tested positive for the virus.
The Barbarians said they had 23 players who tested negative on the morning of the game and were “ready and keen to take to the pitch against Samoa”.
“The whole squad complied to the letter with the Covid protocols throughout the week, including daily lateral flow tests,” the team said.
“After today’s results, we worked hard with the RFU, Public Health England and the Testing Oversight Committee to find a way that we could play. Unfortunately, it was concluded on medical grounds that there was a risk to players on both sides should the game go ahead.”
The Barbarians said their players “are absolutely devastated they were unable to play today”.
Samoa’s players, severak in tears, still made their way onto the pitch in full kit to perform their national anthem and the Siva Tau. They have played just four tests this year and have none scheduled for the next 12 months.
In the wake of the news, the match between the Barbarians women and a Springbok XV was brought forward two hours and 45 minutes to 2.30pm local time, and played in front of 29,581 fans – a world record for a women’s rugby game – as the Barbarians triumphed 60-5.
