Sale have confirmed Sunday’s crucial Premiership game against Worcester will go ahead, despite “a number” of positive Covid-19 cases at the club.
Steve Diamond’s side will avoid being forced to forfeit the game – triggering a 20-0 loss – and subsequently potentially relinquish a top-four spot.
Sharks are fourth, level on points with Bristol, but with a superior points difference compared to the Bears.
The club say, after consultation, “the fixture can be fulfilled safely”.
Premiership Rugby has yet to comment, but has delayed all team selection information until 12:00 BST on Saturday, 3 October.
All six fixtures on the last day of the Premiership season are scheduled to kick-off simultaneously on Sunday, with the top four teams progressing to the play-offs.
There could yet be a knock-on effect for Northampton, who played Sale in their previous match, losing 34-14.
Saints may have players forced to self-isolate under contact-tracing protocols, which would then put their fixture with Gloucester in doubt.
