Leeds Rhinos return to training as Hull KR's game against St Helens becomes Super League's latest Covid postponement

Leeds Rhinos were back in training today, but a coronavirus outbreak at Hull Kingston Rovers has led to their home game against St Helens on Friday being postponed.
By Peter Smith
Published 21st Jun 2021, 09:35 BST
Updated 21st Jun 2021, 10:21 BST
Richie Myler scores for Rhinos in their win at Castleford on May 28, the last game they played before a coronavirus outbreak led to training being cancelled. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Richie Myler scores for Rhinos in their win at Castleford on May 28, the last game they played before a coronavirus outbreak led to training being cancelled. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Richie Myler scores for Rhinos in their win at Castleford on May 28, the last game they played before a coronavirus outbreak led to training being cancelled. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Rhinos' Kirkstall training base was closed for 10 days after eight players or staff tested positive for the virus and their fixtures at home to St Helens 10 days ago and away against Catalans Dragons last Saturday were called off.

Leeds have not trained for almost two weeks, but PCR tests over the weekend were all negative and the squad were today (Monday) beginning preparations for a return to Betfred Super League action at Salford Red Devils on Friday.

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Rovers, though, have successfully applied to the RFL to have their match this week postponed after three more of their players tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend, adding to two cases last week.

Hull KR - whose Ben Crooks is pictured mounting an attack - won at Wigan Warriors last Friday. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.Hull KR - whose Ben Crooks is pictured mounting an attack - won at Wigan Warriors last Friday. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.
Hull KR - whose Ben Crooks is pictured mounting an attack - won at Wigan Warriors last Friday. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

Nine others have been forced to isolate as close contacts.

Training has been postponed until Wednesday under the sport's multiple cases protocols, with a further round of PCR testing to be carried out then.

Hull KR players who had been selected for the Combined Nations All Stars team, which will be announced later today have been stood down as part of the isolation procedures.

Under the RFL’s Covid-19 protocols, a team can apply to postpone a match if seven or more senior players are unavailable as a result of Covid-19 – either through positive tests or as close contacts.

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The clubs will liaise with the RFL on a possible date to rearrange the match later in the season, but the Betfred Super League table will be determined by win points percentage this season to allow for the possibility of not all fixtures being fulfilled.

Related topics:St HelensSuper LeagueHull KRRFL

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