The first Australian Barbarians player tested positive on Monday, with two more testing positive on Friday, a spokesman said. All are asymptomatic and isolating in London.
They will be tested again on day seven of their isolation and will be cleared to fly back to Australia on day 10 if they return negative results.
A member of staff lets the crowd know of the cancellation due to a Covid-19 outbreak within the Barbarians team.Credit:Getty
Eleven Australians were in Rennie’s squad: Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Nic White, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Tate McDermott, Izaia Perese and Angus Bell and Tom Robertson.
The cancellation of the game drew sharp criticism after last year’s fixture against England was called off when 13 players broke COVID-19 protocols.
This year’s mishap saw a women’s game between the Barbarians and Springboks moved forward from 5.15pm to 2.30pm. The game, which was shown live on the BBC, was won by the Barbarians 60-5 in front of 29,581 fans, a world record for a women’s match.
Former Welsh international Jonathan Davies labelled the reshuffle “an utter shambles”.
“It’s not good enough. After the shambles of last year too when some of the Barbarians broke the bubble it is unforgivable,” he told the London’s Telegraph newspaper.
Dave Rennie with the Barbarians during the week.Credit:Getty
The Barbarians claimed they had enough players within their selection to play the match but it was the testing oversight committee which said the game could not go ahead as it posed a risk to the health of both sides.
Another source said it was the RFU who deemed the public health risk too great to proceed with the men’s match.
“Despite the recent positive COVID-19 tests, we had a fit 23 today who all tested negative this morning. They were ready and keen to take to the pitch against Manu Samoa. The whole squad complied to the letter with the COVID-19 protocols throughout the week, including daily lateral flow tests,” the Barbarians said in a statement.
Two more Australians caught in COVID-19 spring tour outbreak
Source: Philippines Alive
