Leeds Rhinos fans carry on regardless to party in Perpignan

David Sharp, left and fellow Rhinos fan Andy Edgell at Stade Gilbert Brutus.

Rhinos were scheduled to play Catalans Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday, but the Betfred Super League was postponed after they decided not to travel.

Leeds sold 210 tickets for the game.

When a decision was made on Tuesday to play it behind closed doors, because of the coronavirus pandemic, at least 60 fans opted to make the trip anyway - and some carried on even when the match was called off.

Christian Floyd was among the Leeds supporters who carried on regardless.

His group of eight decided to go ahead after an emergency meeting at Manchester Airport and he said around 20 other fans were on the same flight to Carcassonne.

“There’s no refund on our flights, hotels or the train, so why not?” Floyd said.

“We could sit in the rain [in England] or the sun over there.

Christina Floyd paid a 70 excess bagage fee to take his Rob Burrow flag to France. At least he and it got to visit Stade Gilbert Brutus.

“We go everywhere watching Leeds and time off work is booked, so there’s no point letting it go to waste.

“We’re just going to go as if nothing has changed and enjoy the weekend.”

David Sharp travelled on Thursday and said: “Great weather, beer, wine and terrific company, why not still come?”

Sharp managed to see some rugby, of a fashion, visiting Stade Gilbert Brutus to watch Catalans train on Friday.