Rugby league plays on: RFL confirm respects to be paid to Her Majesty

The RFL has confirmed that all fixtures this weekend will go ahead as planned, including Saturday’s Super League play-off between Huddersfield and Salford.

A consultation between the Government and other sports was held this morning, following the publication of National Mourning Guidance.

It had previously been confirmed that tonight’s Super League game between Catalans and Leeds in Perpignan would go ahead as planned.

There is a full round of Championship fixtures over the weekend, League 1 play-offs, Women’s Super League shield semi-finals and community fixtures that will now still go ahead.

The Championship match between Sheffield and Dewsbury that was postponed tonight (Friday) is due to be re-arranged.

An RFL statement said: “This has been a difficult decision – we have taken into account the desire expressed by players and clubs at community level to come together to share their grief, and to celebrate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a former Patron of the Rugby Football League.

“Due respect will be paid to Her Majesty before all fixtures, with a period of silence and where possible the playing of the National Anthem, and the wearing of black armbands.”

It had been revealed earlier that there was no obligation to cancel or postpone sporting events and it would be left at the discretion of individual organisations.

The Football Association responded with a blanket postponement of all their fixtures, including the Premier League, Football League, non-league system and grassroots football.

Premiership rugby union matches scheduled for Friday were cancelled, though some re-arranged to go ahead with the rest of their programme at the weekend.

The Elite Ice Hockey League will start their season this weekend as planned.

It is thought that no matches will be held on the day of the Queen’s State Funeral, the date of which remains unconfirmed.

The play-off match between Huddersfield and Salford is due to be broadcast live on both Sky Sports and Channel 4 on Saturday (1pm).