Wasps cleared to play Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs after latest round of coronavirus testing

Saturday’s Twickenham encounter to go ahead as planned after Wasps returned no further positive test results

Wasps have been cleared to play in the Premiership final (PA)

Wasps have been given the green light to play Exeter Chiefs in this Saturday’s Premiership final after returning no further positive results in their latest round of coronavirus testing.

The Coventry-based side saw their place in the Twickenham final thrown into major doubt after returning 11 positive coronavirus test results over the course of the last week, seven of which came among the playing squad.

Those numbers triggered an urgent round of testing at the club, and saw third-place finishers Bristol Bears placed on stand-by for the final, should Public Health England rule that Wasps could not take part due to a widespread outbreak.

But Bristol have been stood down after Premiership Rugby confirmed that Wasps received clearance to play in the final, with Wednesday’s test results giving them the all-clear to take part in the weekend’s season finale.

Wasps confirmed that none of the players or staff who were tested on Monday returned positive results, but one sample of a staff member was damaged in transit and their test result is unknown. Because of this, that person will continue to work in a “socially distanced” environment until the result is known.

A Wasps statement read: “Further to Tuesday’s round of the PCR Covid-19 screening programme, Wasps can confirm that no further players or staff have tested positive. A test from one of the coaching staff, who tested negative on Saturday, was damaged in transit and that person will be working socially distanced until their result is confirmed.

“The team will now return to training in preparation for this Saturday’s Premiership Rugby Final.

Wasps were forced to cancel all training sessions last Wednesday upon the return of seven positive coronavirus tests, and although there is a great deal of relief that they will be heading to Twickenham on Saturday, Lee Blackett’s side have not had the ideal preparation for facing the newly-crowned European champions.

Wasps chief executive Stephen Vaughan added: “I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Premiership Rugby, the RFU, Public Health England and Public Health Warwickshire for their clarity and assistance throughout this whole process. As a club, we are delighted that we can now take our rightful place in this Saturday’s Premiership Rugby Final.

“To all of our fans and well-wishers, thank you for your many messages of support, this Final is for you!”

A Premiership Rugby statement read: "Premiership Rugby can confirm that Wasps have been given the all-clear to take their rightful place in Saturday's Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final against Exeter Chiefs.

“Everyone at Premiership Rugby is delighted to confirm Wasps’ place in the Final after the latest round of tests as part of our PCR Covid-19 screening programme.”