The Super Rugby Unlocked match between the Lions and Cheetahs scheduled for Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon has been called off in line with Covid-19 protocols.

The decision was taken as part of prescribed precautions advised by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to limit the risk of further infection in the rugby community.

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The cancellation was triggered on Saturday morning following the results from a second batch of tests on Emirates Lions senior squad playing and coaching personnel, which revealed two further positive cases. The tests had been prompted by the recording of four other positive tests among the same group earlier in the week.

The players who tested positive and identified close contacts are isolating and quarantining according to Department of Health guidelines. The players are in good health and are being monitored by the team doctor.

If the fixture cannot be rescheduled, both teams will take two points.

The Vodacom Bulls match against the Sharks is unaffected and will continue as scheduled at 7pm at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

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