Wasps cleared to play in English rugby Premiership final

'Further to Tuesday's round of the PCR Covid-19 screening programme, Wasps can confirm that no further players or staff have tested positive.

After seven people four players and three staff members tested positive last week, Wasps said Monday that three more players and another member of staff had contracted the virus.

Wasps will take part in the Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs after the club reported no further coronavirus cases in the latest round of testing.

Bristol had been placed on standby to replace Wasps at Twickenham, but Wasps were cleared to play on Wednesday morning after receiving results overnight.

Wasps have made it through to the final for the first time since 2017, when they lost 23-20 to the Chiefs after extra time. The go into the final as European Champions after beating Racing 92 last Saturday.

The squad will have another round of testing on Tuesday, but even if Wasps are cleared to play, their preparation has been badly hit given they will have a number of players unavailable and have yet to resume training for their biggest match in years. To all of our fans and well-wishers, thank you for your many messages of support, this final is for you!'

But Wasps chief executive Stephen Vaughan was just happy the club can keep playing after head coach Lee Blackett engineered a stunning mid-season revival following the departure of the long-serving Dai Young.

"The club's Covid-19 contact tracing, measures and protocols, which remain rigorous, will continue to be adhered to".

'We were completely negative right across the board, ' Baxter said. Now, we can get on with things. "They thoroughly deserve it".