Leeds Rhinos have cancelled a scheduled screening of tonight’s Super League play-off eliminator against Catalans Dragons at Headingley. The match in the south of France has been given the green light to take place despite the death of Her Majesty The Queen yesterday. A fan event at the Rhinos’ stadium to watch the game had been planned but has now been cancelled.
Leeds said in a statement: “Following the passing of HM The Queen, tonight’s planned live screening of Leeds Rhinos game in Perpignan against Catalans Dragons at Headingley Stadium has been cancelled.
“In line with other sporting events involving British teams abroad, the game will still go ahead tonight in France and will be televised by Sky Sports however the fan event at Headingley Stadium has been cancelled as a mark of respect.
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“We apologise for any inconvenience caused but hope that supporters can understand the club’s decision.”
It is expected that the other Super League play-off eliminator between Huddersfield Giants and Salford Red Devils, scheduled for Saturday, will be postponed along with many other sporting fixtures in the UK this weekend.
The RFL and Super League have been holding talks since news of The Queen’s death at the age of 96 was confirmed by Buckingham Palace shortly after 6.30pm yesterday. Leeds were already set to fly to Perpignan on Friday morning for their Super League eliminator play-off with Huddersfield scheduled to host Salford in another sudden-death fixture on Saturday.
Many sporting fixtures have already been postponed as a mark of respect but the RFL has confirmed the Catalans vs Leeds game will be played. There will be no fixtures in England today – this means the Betfred Championship fixture between Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams will be postponed, with a new date to be confirmed as soon as possible.
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