Dragons test positive for coronavirus

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 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.

Tigers were due a bye this weekend, but a joint RFL 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 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.”

Dragons are the second Super League club hit by a coronavirus outbreak. Several Hull FC players tested positive following a defeat to Salford Red Devils two weeks ago.

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