Leeds Rhinos made correct decision not to travel to Catalans Dragons due to coronavirus fears - Peter Smith

Rhinos were booked to fly to Barcelona this morning, but one of the players began to show symptoms of coronavirus and late yesterday the decision was made not to go. That was entirely their choice.

Following government advice, the Rugby Football League were expecting the fixture at Catalans Dragons to go ahead as scheduled tomorrow, though behind closed doors.

A statement released this morning said the “consequences of this decision on the match, and any sanction” will be decided by the RFL board. If the RFL do take any action against Leeds that will be a mistake, morally and in terms of public relations.

It may well be the player who is ill has nothing worse than a cold, but Leeds would have been taking a huge risk by going ahead.

Even had they left him behind (the player affected is in the 21-man squad named for the game), other members of the team could also be infected by now.

Imagine the outcry were Rhinos to travel, knowing they had been in contact with someone potentially carrying the virus. They would be risking the health of everyone else on their flights, plus anyone they came into contact with in France and Spain.

There would also be the possibility of the team being stranded abroad, should the situation worsen. Rhinos’ players and staff are no different to anyone else, they all have loved ones they are concerned about and who may be at high risk during the pandemic.

Their feelings also have to be taken into account.

Public safety was a factor in games being called off during Storm Ciara last month and surely the same applies now, even if the RFL are following government advice by trying to carry on as normal.

It would have been hugely irresponsible for Leeds to have put the health of their players, staff and anyone else at risk. Whatever the RFL decides, even if it is a fine and/or points deduction, the possible consequences of going were worse.