Manu Tuilagi ruled out of first start in 8 months

Manu Tuilagi will miss his first chance to start in eight months after being ruled out of Sale Sharks' clash with Harlequins. 

Sale Sharks confirmed the news on Friday with the statement that clarified that Tuilagi is not missing the game through injury but rather because he had come in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case at the club.

'Sale Sharks can confirm that a member of its staff received a positive COVID-19 test during routine lateral flow testing at the club’s Carrington training facility this week.' the statement read.

'As a result, video analysis of training was carried out in line with Premiership Rugby guidelines, and all players who came into contact with that member of staff were directed to self-isolate until further testing could be arranged.

In consultation with Public Health England a round of drive-through PCR testing was also conducted. That member of staff returned a further positive result and is continuing to isolate.

There were no additional positive COVID-19 tests and all other players will return to full training next week.

However, following further investigation it was noted that Manu Tuilagi came into close contact with the affected member of staff.

As a result, the club will replace him in the matchday squad for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match against Harlequins on Friday. Robert du Preez will take his place in the starting XV, with Aaron Reed taking the South African’s place among the replacements.

All players are being tested daily and we look forward to having the full team back in training ahead of the next game.

The member of staff who tested positive is being monitored by the Sharks medical staff, and in the interests of privacy, Sale Sharks will not be disclosing their name.'