French rugby league suspended due to coronavirus

The French Federation has temporarily suspended all of its competition following the Coronavirus outbreak.

They had previously announced that games would be restricted to no more than 1000 people, including participants, which threatened Catalans’ Super League game against Leeds.

Having originally agreed to play behind closed doors, that game has now been postponed after the Rhinos made the decision not to travel due to one of their players going in to self-isolation with symptoms of the virus.

A FFR statement said: “At the request of the (French) President, we have decided to cancel until further notice all sporting events, competitions and training within our Federation.

“We remind clubs of the need to respect the guidance by avoiding as much as possible all physical contact in order to protect yourself as much as possible from this virus.”

The French Elite One and Elite Two league competitions are midway through their season.

Championship side Toulouse have a free weekend due to their non-involvement in the Challenge Cup and are next due to be in action away at Dewsbury on Sunday week.

Catalans next game is on the same day at Wigan.

Must read

Catalans game against Leeds called off due to Rhinos player self-isolating

Former Huddersfield player wants to save lives following death of daughter

A big problem for rugby league’s overseas expansion plans – referees