Premiership Rugby can confirm that Bristol Bears have been awarded four match points and London Irish two following the cancellation of their Gallagher Premiership Rugby Round 22 match. The match score shall be recorded as 0–0.

The decision has been made by a Premiership Rugby Panel comprising Premiership Rugby chairman Andy Higginson and Rugby Director Phil Winstanley.

The match was cancelled after London Irish returned positive Covid-19 tests this week and had a significant number of players in isolation, following the contract tracing process.

Due to this and having reviewed the Club’s playing squad, it is clear that, as a direct result of Covid-19, London Irish is unable to fulfil its Round 22 match against Bristol Bears, which was scheduled for Saturday 12 June.

Premiership Regulations state that: "In the event that the PRL Panel decide that a Referred Match in the League Season is cancelled, or any governmental authority recommends or requires that a Match in the Premiership League Season is cancelled (in either case, a " Cancelled League Season Match "), then (without prejudice to any action which may be taken under or relating to any Covid Minimum Operating Standards):

  • the result of that Cancelled League Season Match shall be deemed to be 0-0; and
  • four league points shall be allocated to the club who was able to play the Cancelled League Season Match and two league points shall be allocated to the other club."

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: "The health and safety of players, staff, management and officials is our priority, so following consultation with local Public Health England officials and the Professional Rugby Testing Oversight Group the correct decision was taken to call the game off.

"Bristol Bears have been awarded the win and four league points. London Irish shall be deemed to have lost the match but awarded two league points. The match score shall be recorded as 0–0.

"We wish those affected at London Irish a safe and speedy recovery."

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