Super League shutdown looms after Toronto coronavirus fears
Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack have suspended training and stood down their entire UK-based staff after four players experienced symptoms of coronavirus.
The Canadian club’s action means that their next fixture against Wakefield next Sunday will almost certainly be postponed and is set to signal a potential shutdown of the league.
A statement from head coach Brian McDermott published by the club said: “Today, we have advised four of our players who have experienced mild possible symptoms of COVID-19 to selfisolate in accordance with the guidelines set by the UK government. “We take this very seriously and as a precaution, we have stood down our entire playing staff in the UK.”
Toronto say they are now awaiting a directive from the Rugby Football
League, who has instructed clubs to continue playing matches, but that could all change at a meeting of Super League clubs in Huddersfield on Monday.
The statement added: “We train in an environment where we interact with students and members of the public and we vehemently do not want to act as a possible vector for COVID-19 which is why we have taken this immediate action.
“The health and welfare of our players, staff, fans and partners is always our primary concern. “Our main goal is to prevent any further spread to our playing squad and their immediate family members, therefore we are now postponing all practice and have tasked our squad with keeping themselves healthy.”