The British & Irish Lions have confirmed that a member of its management team has tested positive for Covid-19 and Wednesday night’s game against the Sharks is now dependent on negative results from subsequent PCR testing.
The positive result was returned following a lateral flow test as part of the tour screening programme which took place on Wednesday.
“This evening’s game against the Sharks at Emirates Airline Park will still take place provided the subsequent round of PCR testing returns negative results later this afternoon. Should this be the case, the kick-off time for tonight’s game will be adjusted to 8pm [SAST]/7pm [BST],’ a statement read.
The individual and four close contacts – including two players and two members of staff – are being isolated and assessed at the team hotel. All members of the touring party have since been PCR tested.
“We have followed all necessary precautions since the start of the tour, which included regular testing and rigorous Covid-19 counter-measure planning and protocols,” said Ben Calveley, managing director for the British & Irish Lions.
“Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of the entire touring party, which is why we quickly isolated the players and staff upon receiving the news of the positive result.”
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