Toronto Wolfpack quartet experience coronavirus symptoms

Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack have suspended training and stood down their entire UK-based staff after four players experienced symptoms of coronavirus.
Read More
Toronto Wolfpack star Sonny Bill Williams needs knee surgery

The Canadian club’s action means that their next fixture against Wakefield next weekend will almost certainly be postponed and is set to signal a potential shutdown of the league.

A statement from head coach Brian McDermott published by the club said: “Today, we have advised four of our players who have experienced mild possible symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate in accordance with the guidelines set by the UK government.

Toronto's head coach Brian McDermott.
 (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
)Toronto's head coach Brian McDermott.
 (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
)
Toronto's head coach Brian McDermott. (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe )
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We take this very seriously and as a precaution, we have stood down our entire playing staff in the UK.”

Toronto say they are now awaiting a directive from the Rugby Football League, who has instructed clubs to continue playing matches, but that could all change at a meeting of Super League clubs in Huddersfield on Monday.

The statement added: “We train in an environment where we interact with students and members of the public and we vehemently do not want to act as a possible vector for COVID-19 which is why we have taken this immediate action.

“The health and welfare of our players, staff, fans and partners is always our primary concern.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our main goal is to prevent any further spread to our playing squad and their immediate family members, therefore we are now postponing all practice and have tasked our squad with keeping themselves healthy.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.