Club updates during “one of the most challenging periods our sport has faced”
Hull chief executive James Clark says this is one of the most challenging periods rugby league has ever faced.
Like many other clubs, the Airlie Birds have issued an update following the guidelines set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday night in relation to tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
Clark told the club’s official website: “The health and wellbeing of our staff, players, coaches and supporters is of paramount importance to us and this is why these further steps are necessary to ensure we play our part in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
“We appreciate this unprecedented situation is having a significant effect on everyone and we are very grateful for the support and patience of everyone around the club, particularly our fans and partners, at what is becoming an increasingly difficult and uncertain time.
“This is one of the most challenging periods our sport has faced and despite our ongoing efforts to safeguard the future of the club, the health of our employees and all those people associated with our club must come first.”
The club’s main office at the KCOM Stadium has closed, with all phone lines now unmanned, along with the club shop, ticket office, youth centre and training ground.
On Monday, Castleford revealed that The Jungle would be closed to all but a skeleton staff as part of the club’s ongoing coronavirus prevention methods, while the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington has been closed to the public
Huddersfield have now blocked online shopping via their club website, with staff not allowed access to the John Smith’s Stadium, and they say normal service will resume as soon as it is deemed appropriate by the government.
Wigan have also followed that lead. They said: “With the Government having suspended all but essential travel to work, we have taken the logical decision of taking the Wigan Warriors Store offline until a relaxation of current Covid-19 restrictions is announced.”
Following Monday night’s announcement, Hull KR issued an updated statement via their club website, which said they are looking at ways it can use players and staff to support the wider community during this difficult time remotely.
All training has been suspended, as has the club’s community trust activities and all events and conferences at the stadium.
St Helens have provided some insight to their fans as to how players are keeping in shape despite the lockdown.
Head of Strength and Conditioning Matt Daniels and head physio Nathan Mill reveal some detail on the home work outs issued to players, after government guidelines put an end to training across the club.