Super League Covid-19 testing update

The full results from this week’s routine testing for Covid-19 across the 11 Betfred Super League clubs and match officials and other relevant staff, and a number of additional tests and retests, have been received.

In total, of 563 tests taken, there has been one positive – a non-playing member of staff from St Helens, as advised on Wednesday.

The 562 negatives include all members of the Salford playing and coaching staff, for the third time since their last match against Hull FC on August 9 – and all members of the Hull FC playing and coaching staff other than the 12 who tested positive last week.

The member of non-playing staff at St Helens who tested positive earlier in the week has since had a negative result on a subsequent test. The club is awaiting the result of a third test before confirming the situation regarding his return from self-isolation – which needs approval from Public Health England and the RFL. Saints resumed training yesterday after postponing Wednesday’s activity.

Castleford Tigers, who played St Helens last Sunday, advised earlier this week that they have had a full set of negative tests, and have also returned to training.

Testing Information

Screen4 were selected as the preferred testing partner for Betfred Super League clubs. Players and officials from each club, along with match officials and other key matchday staff, will undergo weekly antigen testing.

Super League and the RFL will provide a central weekly update on COVID-19 tests carried out and the breakdown of results.

For the purpose of medical privacy, no details of specific Clubs or individuals will be provided as part of this update, unless circumstances allow.

Additional Guidance:

• Clubs cover the costs of their testing.

• Every player or member of staff who attends the training ground, prior to entering the site, must complete a screening protocol to detect any  symptoms in a manner devised by the Club Doctor.

• Players and staff will also be required to complete a daily medical questionnaire submitted before arrival at the training ground on training days. If this is not submitted before arrival, access to the training ground will be denied.

The 2020 Betfred Super League season continues with five fixtures over two days at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington on Saturday August 29 and Sunday August 30 – and fans can watch all five games live on Sky Sports.