NRL TO CARRY ON UNTIL THEY ARE TOLD TO STOP PLAYING
CATALANS coach Steve McNamara has detailed life in lockdown France as he attempts to keep his squad active in unprecedented times.
The former England boss’s family are back here while he lives alone in an apartment in Canet, and he now has strictly limited movement and a complete curfew between 8pm and 6am.
Paperwork must be produced for any trips outside and a reason given for the journey, with French authorities stringently enforcing the containment measures around the country.
McNamara (above) explained: “I’ve been stopped four times by police, and if you don’t produce that piece of paper and they don’t agree with where you’re going, then it’s a €35 fine the first time and then €135. It’s very strict but everybody is trying to abide by it.
“It was really bizarre the last hour before the lockdown kicked in at midday on Tuesday.
“It was sad in a way – I drove past a pharmacy and all the older people were queuing up
AUSTRALIA’S NRL yesterday again pledged to play on behind closed doors as long as government guidelines allow.
Aussie Rules became the latest competition to go into lockdown when the league was suspended until at least the end of May.
But the NRL completed another full round of fixtures on the same day and want to continue playing as long as possible in an attempt to protect a bumper TV deal.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said: ”We have, and always will, stringently follow all government health advice and medical protocols to protect the health and safety of the community and our players. At this stage, our intent is to play on and we remain committed to the continuation of the 2020 season as far as government advice allows it.
“Our number-one priority is to protect our players, staff and fans and we will continue to do this by adopting the strictest medical protocols.
“However, we understand the pace of the crisis is escalating rapidly and we need to remain flexible and conscious of community expectations.”
English players featured in the weekend’s action behind closed doors including Kallum Watkins (being tackled, above), Tom Burgess and Elliott Whitehead.