Raft of Hull FC players and coaches test positive for Covid-19

The competition only held its first round of full action last weekend after five months sidelined due to the pandemic.

But now the fixture list - already badly damaged by Toronto Wolfpack’s failure to complete the season - is potentially left in further disarray.

Hull made their return to play on Sunday and delivered a dismal 54-18 defeat against Salford Red Devils in caretaker head coach Andy Last’s first game in charge.

But now both clubs have cancelled scheduled training sessions for this morning after the positive tests were revealed.

Hull are due to play Castleford Tigers at St Helens on Sunday evening and face the same opponents again in Challenge Cup action on Saturday August 22.

Salford - who are yet to receive their weekly testing results - are set to face Catalans Dragons at Saints on Saturday afternoon.

Hull could yet have as many as seven players forced to quarantine for 10 days.

An RFL statement read: “Five Hull FC players who were involved in the match have tested positive, in addition to a sixth who was not in their matchday 17 – while a sixth member of Sunday’s 17 is having a retest after an inconclusive result.

“All who test positive are now required to quarantine for 10 days - until August 21 – in line with national guidance.

“Two members of Hull’s coaching staff have also tested positive.

“Public Health England, the Hull FC players and staff, and the Salford Red Devils club were informed of the situation this evening.

“Salford’s routine weekly test results have not yet been received, but the RFL is now analysing Sunday’s match to determine how many players from each team will also be required to self-isolate under the test and trace procedures that have been agreed with Public Health England.

“Announcements on the impact on forthcoming Betfred Super League and Coral Challenge Cup fixtures over the next two weekends will be made as soon as possible.”

Hull have endured a miserable season with head coach Lee Radford sacked before lockdown.

In other sports, two Abderdeen football players recently tested positive for Covid-19 seeing Saturday’s Scottish Premiership game against St Johnstone postponed.

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