91Èȱ¬

Premiership leaders Bristol's final-day game on Saturday against London Irish has been cancelled because of Covid-19 cases within the Exiles camp.

As well as those returning positive tests, a significant number of the playing squad were ruled out through the contact tracing process.

The score has been recorded as 0-0.

Bristol have been allocated four points, while London Irish pick up two points from the cancellation.

The Bears are already guaranteed a home semi-final while the Exiles are out of contention for the play-offs.

The four-point award ensures Bristol will finish in first place in the top flight for the first time in their history and they will host fourth-placed Harlequins in the play-off semi-final next Saturday (19 June).

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: "Our priority is the health and safety of everyone involved with London Irish and Bristol Bears and we will give the clubs any support they need. We wish everyone affected a full and speedy recovery.

"Neither Premiership Rugby nor the club will be naming any of the players or staff involved and we would ask everyone to respect their privacy."

Worcester's match against Gloucester, also scheduled for Saturday, was called off on Tuesday because of a new coronavirus case at the Kingsholm club.

The match is also recorded as a 0-0 draw with Worcester taking four points and Gloucester two.

Worcester will finish bottom of the table but will retain their Premiership place next season after clubs agreed to suspend relegation at the beginning of the campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.