Coronavirus: Edinburgh Rugby academy player tests positive for Covid-19 after "house party"

Three other youth prospects self-isolating as SRU vows to treat any suspected breach of guidelines seriously

The positive test took place as part of the SRU's own procedures. Picture: SRU/SNS

Edinburgh have confirmed an academy player has received a positive test for Covid-19 following routine club testing, with attendance at a social gathering believed to be the source of the infection and the SRU saying any “suspected breach” of its guidelines would be treated “extremely seriously”.

The unnamed player is now self-isolating along with three with no others within the club deemed affected by the local health protection authorities.

National Clinical Director Jason Leitch, speaking at today’s daily coronavirus briefing, confirms an academy player at Edinburgh Rugby has tested positive for Covid-19 after attending a ‘house party’ with three other players.

A statement issued by Edinburgh Rugby read: “The positive result is not thought to have originated from within club’s own training bubble at BT Murrayfield and Edinburgh Rugby along with Scottish Rugby are investigating a possible link to a social gathering last week. We would treat a suspected breach of our own, and the Government’s public health guidelines, extremely seriously and will take appropriate actions and steps as required.

“Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of our players and staff, and we will continue to closely monitor and support all relevant individuals. Both Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby will also continue to work with the Scottish Government and the Lothian Health Protection Team around any further matters arising from these circumstances.”

Edinburgh’s senior team travel to France today to face Bordeaux-Begles in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final.

The statement added: “Through the club’s own procedures, a further three Edinburgh Academy players have been identified and are now self-isolating in line with government guidelines.

“Potential contact by the affected player with other members of the Edinburgh squad has been fully reviewed by external medical professionals from the Lothian Health Protection Team and no further action was required.

“The club’s stringent COVID-19 protocols and mitigations provided additional medical confidence for the team to travel to France for its European Challenge Cup quarter-final tomorrow (Saturday).

“All club personnel have been advised to remain vigilant and be aware of, and report, any subsequent symptoms.

“Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby would like to thank the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland for sharing their respective expertise and advice in the handing of this case.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic both organisations have actively promoted the Government’s public health messaging around coronavirus and has consistently reiterated the FACTs messages to all players, colleagues and the wider rugby community through its numerous channels.”

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