Rugby codes to make call on virus

RUGBY union’s Gallagher Premiership is set to be suspended as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Officials were due to meet on Monday to discuss the immediate future of the competition, where they were expected to pre-empt government advice and cancel the season until further notice.

Sale Sharks are currently in second place in the competition, five points behind leaders Exeter Chiefs.

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “The welfare of fans, players and staff is our first concern and it’s crucial to get these important decisions right.

“We are working closely with our own medical experts,

DCMS & Public Health England and our clubs.

“That advice will allow us and our clubs to make a wellinformed decision in the coming days.”

Rugby league clubs were also set to meet on Monday to consider their options, but in the meantime the RFL has repeated its threat to punish Leeds

Rhinos for calling off Saturday’s Super League game at Catalans Dragons – despite fears that the club had been struck by coronavirus.

Rhinos chiefs took the decision shortly before they were due to fly to Barcelona on Friday after one of their players displayed symptoms of the virus.

Subsequent tests on the unnamed player proved negative.

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer told BBC Radio Five Live: “It (a sanction) is a possibility.

“We spoke with Leeds at some length this week on that particular issue.”