Leeds player tests negative for Coronavirus as club introduces new precautions

[josie andrews]

The players will return to training but the club have introduced new precautions.

Leeds have announced that their player who was tested for Coronavirus has been cleared after producing a negative result.

The Rhinos decided not to travel to Perpignan for yesterday’s scheduled match against Catalans after one of their players showed symptoms of carrying the virus.

The players received a briefing from the club’s doctor while director of rugby Kevin Sinfield provided a detailed explanation of the factors behind the decision.

The player was tested on Friday and his result has returned as negative.

The club say he will continue to be managed in line with the current Department of Health guidance, although the Rhinos squad will return to full training on Monday.

The Rhinos have also introduced changes to their day-to-day business operations to help contain the spread of Coronavirus.

The changes include: “Players have been advised to minimise contact with the public and non-essential personnel. This includes limiting physical contact with supporters at venues.

“Players are advised to avoid handshakes, autographs and selfies to limit the risk of infection.

“From Friday 13th March, the ticket office front counter will be closed during ticket office opening hours and any fans who visit the stadium to purchase tickets / ticket related enquiries will need to be directed to the ticket office transfer windows on the inside of the stadium.

“The Club will restrict dressing room access to include only players and essential staff;

“The Rhinos are taking reasonable steps to limit club-organised player contact with community organisations;

“All club personnel have been encouraged to cancel all non-essential meetings or arrange to meet digitally.

“The club and players have taken additional steps to ensure enhanced hygiene at training and playing facilities.

Leeds operations director Sue Ward said: “Our priority is the health and safety of everyone who uses Emerald Headingley Stadium, which includes our players, staff and customers.

“As well as the stadium, at our training ground we will have a strict entry policy to limit the amount of people who have access to minimize as much as possible the amount of people using the facility and the increased chance of spreading the virus.

“Our medical staff have kept the players and coaches fully briefed on best practise and we will continue to monitor the situation and take our lead from the authorities.

“We are following the guidelines set down by the UK government and will have extra measures in place for the St Helens game, including hand gel available to supporters and signage to remind spectators of the extra precautions they can take to protect themselves, as set down by Public Health England.”

https://www.rlnews.co.uk/leeds-player-t ... ecautions/