Catalans game with Leeds at risk due to coronavirus

Catalans are expecting an answer within the next 24 hours regarding their home game with Leeds, after the French government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

The in-form Rhinos are due to face the Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday, and the game could be played behind closed doors, in front of a limited crowd or cancelled altogether to prevent the spread of s0-called coronavirus.

A Leeds statement said: “”At present, the game will go ahead as scheduled, however should the situation change due to the ongoing developments with the French authorities’ procedures to deal with coronavirus, we will update supporters at the earliest possible opportunity.”

France is one of the countries most affected by the outbreak of coronavirus, which has forced Italian football to be played behind closed doors for the next month.

The RFL has sent a detailed document to clubs with advice, including confirmation that games could be played behind closed doors should the virus spread.