Doncaster Knights kept waiting by positive Covid-19 tests at Saracens

The relegated Premiership club were due to visit Castle Park in what would have been Doncaster’s first game in 10 months.

However, it was announced late on Thursday night that the match was off due to positive Covid-19 tests in the relegated Sarries camp.

Boden said: “We are very disappointed as we were excited to get back playing and test our young squad against an elite team.

“But the safety of players, staff and the community is far more important right now.

“We will continue to train and start preparations for Ealing Trailfinders next week which will be another massive challenge for the club.”

Following Saracens’ weekly PCR Covid testing programme, two players returned positive results with a further 16 members of the squad having to isolate due to contact tracing.

It meant they were without a total of 34 players because of injury, suspension and isolation and were, therefore, unable to field a side.

As a result of the cancellation, Doncaster will be awarded four points while Saracens – who lost their opener in the three-club competition against Ealing last week – will receive two.

Knights say refunds for those who purchased the live stream will be processed shortly.

They will hope to avoid any other setbacks so they can face Championship rivals Ealing at Castle Park this Saturday as they continue preparations for the delayed start of the 2020-21 Championship season in March.