Leeds extend training ground shutdown for another five days

Correspondent

Leeds will keep their training ground closed after reporting an additional four positive coronavirus cases over the last five days.

The Super League club shut down their Kirkstall base last Thursday to act as a “fire break” after six players and one member of staff tested positive.

They hoped to return to pre-season training on Tuesday following a scheduled full deep clean but are forced to keep the base closed for a further five days after discovering more positive tests.

The club say they are working closely with the Rugby Football League’s multiple case group to discuss the impact and the next steps and that players and members of the coaching staff will continue to be tested as recommended by national guidance.

There will be a further round of PCR testing on Friday and Leeds say the situation will remain under review depending on the results over the next five days.

Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “It is right that we proceed with caution to make sure that we have any cases within our group under control.

“I am pleased to say all those who have tested positive are either asymptomatic or suffering mild symptoms and they continue to receive the full support of the club.

“With us testing every day, it enables us to monitor the whole group and we are confident we are moving in the right direction to return to training as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Huddersfield also closed their training ground last Thursday to prevent further infection after reporting a “number” of positive cases but have been given the all-clear and most of their players are set to resume training on Thursday.

A statement said: “The Huddersfield Giants have received clearance from the RFL’s multiple case group in line with Public Health England rules and guidelines for elite sport to return to training.

“The club has implemented all advised procedures and Ian Watson, his staff and players will resume their pre-season training schedule on Thursday morning.

“A number of players will be missing as they continue their period of isolation having tested positive last week or are within their specific track-and-trace timeline which is yet to lapse.”

The start of the 2021 Super League season has been put back two weeks to March 25 due to lockdown restrictions.

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