Tens of thousands of rugby fans were left angry and disappointed this afternoon when the Barbarians game at Twickenham was called off just 90minutes before kick-off.

It appears the decision was triggered by news that six of the team, who were due to play Samoa, had tested positive for coronavirus.

A game between the female Barbarians and South Africa has been brought forward to a 2.30pm kick-off.

The matches are taking place at a time there is mounting concern over a new, potentially more infectious version of Covid-19, which appears to have originated in southern Africa.

In theory, all the players involved in the two Barbarians matches will have been in bubbles designed to protect them from coming into contact with the virus.

The men's Barbarians team included a number of South Africans who will not have been in their home country for many months. As a result, it seems unlikely they could have been exposed to the new virus strain.

A Barbarians statement read: "Please note, today's match between Barbarians men and Samoa has unfortunately been cancelled due to confirmed positive Covid cases.

"Barbarians Women vs Springbok Women XV will now take place at 2.30pm."

Unusually, the Barbarians fixtures coincided with a second Premiership rugby match at The Stoop – just the other side of the A316 – between Quins and London Irish.

England rugby legend, Brian Moore, who was at the stadium, tweeted: "At Twickenham- as will become clear, an utter balls up."

Fans also expressed their disappointment. One wrote: "Shocking one here from the BaaBaas. This is ridiculously late notice and I feel for all the fans that will have been at Twickenham early."

Others pointed out that thousands of South African fans will have been at the ground last week for the match with England.

UPDATE

A statement released by the Rugby Football Union revealed that four players and two members of staff had tested positive for Covid-19.

The RFU statement read: "Due to six confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Barbarians men's team (four players and two members of staff), the Professional Game Testing Oversight Group has advised that the fixture scheduled to be played against Samoa at 2.30 pm today is unable to proceed.

"We appreciate that this is an extremely disappointing situation for the many fans due to attend, but the safety of all members of both teams is our priority.

"Following consultation with the Barbarians Committee and South Africa, the fixture between Barbarians Women and Springbok Women's XV will now move to the 2.30pm KO and all tickets purchased are valid for this match. The match will be broadcast live on BBC 1 with coverage starting at 2pm.

"A full automatic refund will be made to all ticket holders, however fans are encouraged to attend the Barbarians Women and Springbok Women's XV."