Premiership rugby clubs last night demanded assurances that it is safe to play Covid-hit Sale as the climax to the English season descended into chaos and recrimination.
A day which should have brought clarity to the end of the domestic season brought only questions as frustration grew over 19 Sharks testing positive.
The Rugby Football Union will this morning launch an investigation into the circumstances behind the outbreak, covering all aspects of the track-and-trace processes.
Feelings are running high after Sale were given leave to put back their final game against Worcester to Wednesday whilst Northampton, obliged to self isolate as a result of having played Sale last week, were forced to forfeit theirs.