No relegation and Harlequins’ thrilling example should push clubs decisively away from turgid heavyweight clashes
Bad news for the more affectionate Premiership players on the eve of the new season – face-to-face try celebrations are still banned. Supporters can fill stadiums again – no Covid passports necessary – but pity the foolish front-rowers who fancy a post-match hug. Welcome to the contradictory world of modern sport.
That is not to pick holes in protocols nor point fingers at administrators, rather it is to illustrate the difficulties in plotting the uneasy route towards normality. Clubs can look forward to the new season with optimism all the while fearful of what another wave may entail as autumn turns to winter.
