Covid-19 hits England camp

NEWS: The much-awaited announcement of the England team to play Tonga this Saturday at Twickenham was delayed on Thursday following a positive Covid-19 case.

After an additional round of testing for Covid-19 was required for the squad who have been in camp at Pennyhill Park since the start of the week.

Eddie Jones was due to name his team on Thursday morning at 11.00 (11.00 GMT), followed by a media briefing.

However, these timings were pushed back after it emerged that an England staff member had tested positive for the virus and further checks were called for.

An RFU statement read: “A member of the England men’s support staff has had a positive lateral flow test for Covid.

"They are now isolating.

“Everyone has undergone additional lateral flow testing, with no further positive cases, and PCR testing [awaiting results].

“The team and staff are following all Covid protocols and a training session will take place later this morning. The team announcement for England vs Tonga will now take place at 12.15 (12.15 GMT).”