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Gallagher Premiership rugby union fixtures WILL go ahead this weekend following Queen Elizabeth II’s death with pre-match tributes planned after Premier League and EFL agreed to postpone all football matches
The Gallagher Premiership has announced it will fulfil this weekend's scheduled rugby union fixtures as planned following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The top flight was due to kick off its 2022/23 season on Friday night with fixtures taking place at Sale and Bristol, but both clashes have now been rescheduled following Her Majesty's sad death at the age of 96 on Thursday afternoon.
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All fixtures will be preceded by a one-minute silence in tribute to the beloved late monarch, whilst all players and coaches will be invited to wear black armbands.
The decision comes after football divided supporters by postponing all fixtures this weekend in a mark of respect for the Queen.
In a Premiership bosses said: “Premiership Rugby is united in paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her inspirational life of service and her unparalleled contribution to the United Kingdom.
“Following consultation with the RFU, DCMS and the PRL Board, Premiership Rugby can confirm that as a mark of respect, the two Gallagher Premiership matches scheduled for today will be postponed.
"Bristol Bears vs Bath Rugby will take place at 5.30pm on Saturday and Sale Sharks vs Northampton Saints at 3pm on Sunday.
“The other matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday will go ahead as scheduled, with Premiership clubs joining with supporters in recognising Queen Elizabeth’s life and service.
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"Prior to the start of each match, a one-minute silent tribute will take place. All players and coaches will be invited to wear black armbands.”
Rugby’s continuation is in stark contrast to that of the Premier League, English Football League and Football Association, who that all domestic football fixtures will be postponed as a mark of respect to Britain's longest-serving monarch.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.
“She has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.
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"This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
The Premier League has not yet revealed any details on whether the following weekend’s fixtures will go ahead, stating 'further updates during the period of mourning will be provided in due course'.
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