Further positive tests at Leinster and Montpellier ahead of Friday

Friday's Montpellier versus Leinster Heineken Champions Cup clash in France has been affected by yet more players testing positive for Covid-19. Leinster had been forced into a late reshuffle prior to last Saturday's opening round win over Bath due to an outbreak in their ranks that affected three senior players and a staff member, an issue that has now spread, while Montpellier have now reported they are having their own issues with the virus having returned to France following their loss to Exeter. 

So concerned were Leinster that they cancelled training on Monday and their squad now faced daily testing to ensure everything is safe for the players that do travel for Friday's round two encounter.   

A  statement read: "Leinster returned to training today [Tuesday] at UCD following yesterday’s postponement and a full round of antigen and PCR tests which were carried out on site. Leinster can confirm that the club is assisting an additional number of senior players who have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating.

"The latest cases follow the antigen and PCR testing which were carried out at Leinster Rugby on all players, coaches and staff. The HSE has been informed in accordance with public health guidelines, as has EPCR.

"The remaining members of the Leinster squad will train today in UCD and will continue to test daily and take all necessary precautions ahead of Friday’s Heineken Champions Cup game against Montpellier in France."

Earlier, Montpellier had published an update regarding their own situation ahead of their duel with Leinster. “Following the series of tests carried out on Monday, Montpellier has a new positive case of Covid-19 within the group. This is the fifth case of contamination detected over a period of seven days in the Herault workforce, which considerably impacts the preparation for the match against Leinster.

“In view of the latest results, the people concerned have been isolated and the team is now carrying out training in separate groups before being tested again this Wednesday. The club remains mobilised by continuing to apply a strict and rigorous health policy in order to preserve the health of its players and staff.”