Super League rocked again as Catalans players and staff member test positive for Covid-19

Catalans' Ben Garcia moves in to tackle David Fifita, of Trinity, during last weekend's tie. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Three Catalans Dragons players and a member of staff have tested positive for coronavirus following last Saturday's Coral Challenge Cup win over Wakefield Trinity in Huddersfield.

Dragons’ Betfred Super League fixture against Wigan, scheduled for this Saturday, August 29 at Warrington, has been postponed and Castleford Tigers will take over as Warriors' opponents.

Two Trinity players have been "instructed" to isolate, but their fixture against Warrington Wolves on Sunday has not been called off.

Dragons are the second Super League club hit by a coronavirus outbreak.

Trinity coach Chris Chester, pictured right, will be without at least two players from last week's squad if Sunday's game goes ahead. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Several Hull players tested positive following a defeat to Salford Red Devils two weeks ago, leading to their league and cup fixtures against Castleford being postponed.

Salford were not involved in the cup, but also had a league game called off.

Leeds Rhinos are due to play Catalans in Perpignan on Monday, September 7.

With less than two weeks to go, that game is now in doubt.

Castleford Tigers have been drafted in to face Wigan on Saturday, which could mean an unexpected debut for Sosaia Feki. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Castleford had been due for a bye this weekend, but a joint Rugby Football League and Super League statement confirmed: "All clubs with a bye have been instructed to be on stand-by to step up in such an eventuality, given the exceptional current circumstances."

The statement added: "The Dragons squad were all instructed to isolate as soon as the news of the positive tests was received, prompting the postponement of the Wigan fixture. They will have further tests later this week.

"Of the players who have tested positive, two played in Saturday’s Coral Challenge Cup tie against Wakefield Trinity.

"Test and trace analysis has shown that two of the Wakefield players will also be required to self-isolate – but at this stage their fixture against Warrington Wolves is expected to go ahead as scheduled on Sunday."

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Super League hit by more Covid drama - Castleford Tigers drafted in to play Wigan Warriors this weekend after Catalans Dragons players test positive following Cup clash with Wakefield Trinity.