By MARK CASHMAN

The Shute Shield has been hit by a Covid-19 scare with 12 Sydney Uni players in first and reserve grade stood down and now self isolating.

The players were unavailable for Saturday’s game against Penrith, which was won by Uni 41-3, and they may not be able to play against Southern Districts next Saturday.

The Students v Rebels game is scheduled to be the 7TWO TV match of the round.

Reliable sources told Rugby News that the players all attended a venue in Newcastle where one of the patrons had tested positive to Covid-19.