First players take COVID-19 tests ahead of Super League restart

Players across Super League have had their first COVID-19 tests, after Screen4 were announced as the competition’s testing partner.

Testing will be carried out on a weekly basis until the end of the season, or when medical advice changes, with Leeds and St Helens the first clubs to share pictures of their players taking their tests this week as players prepare to return to training.

A big thank you to the team from @Screen4org who managed the testing process with the players and staff brilliantly pic.twitter.com/OXHRf1E5gn

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 8, 2020

Super League’s Chief Commercial Officer Rhodri Jones said: “Getting the right partner has been a key focus for us as we gear up for the sport’s return on August 2 and we are really pleased to have struck a deal with Screen4.

“There were a number of good options available to us – but Screen4’s reputation in this field was decisive.

“It’s clearly been a very challenging process and, as we have maintained throughout, it’s been a crucial decision for us to get right.

“We are confident we have done that.”

There are reports that some clubs are still in negotiations with players regarding pay cuts, which is preventing their return to training.

Les joueurs étaient de retour à Brutus ce matin.
Convoqués par Steve McNamara dès 8h, les joueurs, réunis en petit groupes, ont enchaîné les réunions avec le staff et des examens médicaux pour cette première journée.

📷 https://t.co/0iZnCwqHb5#Dragons 🐉 pic.twitter.com/YP4m5PoQre

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) July 6, 2020

Catalans’ squad undertook medical exams and meetings with coaching staff on their return on Monday, although a planned training session was cancelled.

The other clubs all shared the Super League press release regarding the testing partner, without confirming their current plans.