Leeds Rhinos meet today to create plan for unprecedented shutdown of the sport

The suspension was announced after a Super League meeting in Huddersfield yesterday and means Rhinos’ games at home to St Helens on Friday and at Castleford Tigers six days later are both postponed.

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington dialled in to the meeting from Australia where he is on a working holiday.

A return to action after April 3 is by no means certain and Super League and the Rugby Football League say the season’s structure and fixture rescheduling will be considered during the next two weeks.

One option being considered is extending the season into November.

Director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said Rhinos’ players have been given time off, but are likely to be called in for a briefing on Thursday.

“We are going to have a staff meeting [today] to put some plans in place,” Sinfield said. “The scholarship, academy and reserves will be off for the full two-week period.”

Wakefield Trinity’s games against Toronto Wolfpack in York this Sunday and at home to Wigan Warriors on March 27 have been called off.

Trinity coach Chris Chester was brief by club chief executive Michael Carter and confirmed the players have been told to stay away this week.

“It is a weird one for everybody,,” he said. “We are pretty much in full shutdown until we get told we can go back into work.”

Chester warned: “There will be financial implications for clubs with no revenue coming in. “It is going to be a tough few weeks, but I am pretty sure we can get through it. Hopefully we will know a bit more next week.”

Castleford Tigers were due to visit Salford Red Devils on Friday, before the home derby against Leeds.

The shut down follows the latest government advice regarding social contact and mass gatherings.

A joint statement from Super League and the RFL said the situation will be reviewed with broadcasters and sponsors throughout the initial suspension.

Women’s Super League was due to begin at the end of this month, but is now on hold.

Championship fixtures postponed include Featherestone Rovers’ games at York City Knights and home to Leigh Centurions; Dewsbury Rams home meetings with Toulouse Olympique and Whitehaven and Batley Bulldogs trip to Whitehaven and home derby against Bradford Bulls.

In League One, Hunslet were due to play host to London Skolars and visit Rochdale Hornets.

The RFL are set to meet with Championship and League One clubs and community board over the next couple of days.

A joint statement from Robert Elstone, the executive chairman of Super League Europe, and Ralph Rimmer, chief executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “These are unprecedented times and they present significant financial and commercial implications for rugby league, which will be further considered during the period of suspension.

“Super League is also an international competition and consideration has to be given to our clubs in Canada and France, particularly around travel restrictions and scheduling fixtures

“Player welfare and maintaining the integrity of the competition are key concerns moving forward.

“Equally our responsibilities to rugby league communities remain front of mind for all of us.

“The whole country is facing major challenges and the support of our fans, partners and stakeholders is needed now more than ever before.”