Steve Diamond offered a fresh update on the situation regarding Worcester's forfeit of last Friday night's Gallagher Premiership fixture at Gloucester.

Originally, the statement from Premiership Rugby just four hours before kick-off at Kingsholm stated Worcester were unable to fulfil the fixture due to not having the required number of front-row forwards.

Illness, Covid-19 and injuries were stated as reasons for why 36 players were unavailable for the derby.

There was a lot of talk on social media surrounding the incident with may criticising the timing of the announcement.

But Diamond confirmed that Worcester had informed the league and Gloucester on Thursday that they were not going to be able to fulfil the fixture.

"We informed Gloucester at 2.30pm on Thursday that we were having problems in meeting the requirement to have six front row players in the squad," said the boss.

"We did try to source other players for possible loan deals. We contacted the other Premiership clubs and also looked around the Championship.

"But you can’t just bring a big 17 stone lad in off the street and expect him to play at tighthead in the Premiership. You have to consider the welfare and safety of players."

"On Friday morning we went down to one fit tighthead and then that tighthead became very ill and required medical attention at home.

"We did ask if we could postpone the game to another date but Premiership regulations do not permit that.

"We also suggested the possibility of playing a hybrid game with uncontested scrums from minute one but, again, the regulations do not permit that."

PRL (Premiership Rugby Limited) have called on an independent panel to adjudicate on the game.

Essentially, they will be determining why Worcester were unable to field enough front row players.

The league's regulations state each team playing in the Premiership must have at least six fit and able players in the squad who can play at hooker, tight head prop and loosehead prop.

If it is found that this was down to Covid, four points will be awarded to Gloucester and two to Worcester. But if not, Gloucester will be awarded with five points and none going the other way.