1895 Cup final at risk due to Covid outbreak

This weekend’s 1895 Cup final between Featherstone and York is in doubt due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the Rovers camp. 

Featherstone, who sit at the top of the Championship table alongside Toulouse, have notified the Rugby Football League that they’ve had a number of positive tests for Covid-19 which have raised concerns about their ability to play in the 1895 Cup final against the City Knights at Wembley on Saturday.

Featherstone’s players who have tested negative are taking additional precautions since testing to ensure they minimise any further risk of contracting the virus.

The RFL’s multiple cases group have determined that additional round of PCR tests for the Rovers squad should be conducted on Thursday evening. The results will be received overnight and a decision on whether the game goes ahead will be made on Friday morning.

The RFL say both teams competing in Saturday’s final are determined to fulfil the game, with thousands of their supporters expected at Wembley.

The governing body have waived the requirement of the clubs to name their 21-man squads 48 hours before the game due to the unusual circumstances.

An RFL statement read: “The RFL has agreed with the clubs to make this announcement so that supporters are aware of the situation.

“If the match is postponed, Featherstone and York supporters will be entitled to apply to have their tickets refunded, if they no longer wish to attend Wembley on Saturday. Full details of how to claim a refund will be confirmed on Friday should it be necessary because of the game not going ahead.”

The inaugural 1895 Cup final took place in 2019, when Sheffield ran-out 36-18 winners against Widnes at Wembley. The 1895 Cup wasn’t played in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Saturday’s final between Featherstone and York is due to kick-off at 12pm, followed by St Helens-Castleford in the Challenge Cup final at 3pm.