Super League restart date confirmed - Leeds Rhinos to face Huddersfield Giants on August 2

Betfred Super League will return on Sunday, August 2, with a triple-header including Leeds Rhinos against Huddersfield Giants.

The games will mark the end of a 140-day lay-off since Castleford Tigers' win over St Helens on March 15.

The other games on relaunch day will be Hull Kingston Rovers versus Toronto Wolfpack­­­ (1pm) and St Helens v Catalans Dragons (4.15pm) before Rhinos take to the field for the first time since March 5, at 6.30pm.

A venue has yet to be announced, but Emerald Headingley is in contention.

The matches will be played behind closed doors, but televised on Sky Sports.

The following weekend (August 8/9) will see all clubs - including Castleford Tigers and Wakefielkd Trinity - return to action when a full round of Super League fixtures takes place.

During a Super League board meeting on Friday it was decided the revised season will comprise of a further 15 rounds of action followed by a top-four semi-final play-offs.

The winners of the semi-finals will contest the Betfred Super League Grand Final, taking place towards the end of November 2020.

Clubs also considered the impact of finishing the 2020 season almost two months later than scheduled and agreed to kick-off the 2021 season at a later date than the traditional opening weekend of February.

At the moment, and until government directives change, Betfred Super League fixtures will take place behind closed doors at a small number of neutral venues that meet the stringent guidance from both government and the game’s clinical advisory group.

Super League is also closely monitoring government directives in both France and Canada.

Super League executive chairman, Robert Elstone said: “We are delighted to confirm Betfred Super League will be returning in just a few weeks’ time on Sunday August 2, live on Sky Sports.

“We are in the final stages of confirming where the games will be played and we continue to work closely with Sky Sports to deliver the best possible broadcast schedule for our fans. Further details of this will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

“Above all we know that fans want to get back into grounds to support their teams. We will continue to follow government advice and work alongside the RFL, clinical advisors and ground safety personnel to ensure that when that time comes, Super League is ready to welcome back its fans at the first opportunity.”

He added: “Whilst the recent government announcements underline increasing optimism, the pandemic remains unpredictable.

"Our final fixture schedule needs to respond to opportunities that will unfold over the coming weeks and accordingly, full details of fixtures, venues and season structure will be confirmed as they become known.

“I would like to express my gratitude for the understanding and patience shown by Sky Sports, Betfred, and our other valued commercial partners, as we have navigated through this difficult time.”

“Finally, I would like to thank the fans and players for their patience, positivity and desire to see Super League back up and running post-Covid-19.”

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