Castleford Tigers’ Challenge Cup tie with Hull FC postponed after positive Covid tests

The day’s other sixth round game, between Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity, has been brought forward from 5pm to a 2.30pm kick-off at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium.

The ties were due to be played back-to-back as part of a behind closed doors double-header, but Castleford will now have a weekend off after six Hull players and two staff tested positive for coronavirus.

Tigers had also been set to play Hull in Betfred Super League on Sunday, but will now face St Helens instead.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) say details of the rearranged Castleford-Hull tie will be announced “as soon as possible”.

Mark Foster, the RFL’s chief commercial officer, said: “This has been a challenging week for everyone and we are really grateful to Catalans Dragons, Wakefield Trinity and our broadcast partners the BBC for ensuring we still have an attractive tie with which to relaunch the Coral Challenge Cup in the prime Saturday afternoon slot on BBC One.”

Meanwhile, Featherstone Rovers and York have both confirmed they will not take part in the RFL’s autumn competition for non-Super League sides.

Rovers say they will instead focus on preparing for their 2021 Betfred Championship campaign.