Leeds Rhinos have closed their training ground for five days to act as a fire break after six players and one member of staff tested positive for Covid-19 over the last 10 days.
The Rhinos – who say those affected are isolating at home for a minimum of 10 days – have introduced daily lateral flow tests as an extra precaution.
Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “Whilst this may be a short disruption to our pre-season plans, it is important that we look after the wellbeing of our people, their families and the local community.”
The cases were linked by contact tracing, however, the decision to close was taken as a precaution to try and stop the spread at the club.
Players and staff who tested positive are now isolating at home for a minimum of 10 days, along with any others identified as a contact trace.
All players and staff will have to produce a negative PCR test before they return, and will also do a lateral flow test each day whilst the training ground is closed.
The training ground will also have it scheduled deep clean.
Mr Sinfield said: "Firstly, I would like to thank our players and staff for how they have adhered to the guidelines and rules in place since we returned to training.
“We are in a privileged position as an elite sport that we can continue to train. With that privilege comes a great deal of responsibility.
"Whilst this may be a short disruption to our pre-season plans, it is important that we look after the well being of our people, their families and the local community.
“We have increased our biosecurity from last season and everyone is vigilant about ensuring we lessen the probabilities of spreading the virus. Because of our increased testing since New Year, it has become evident that, despite all our precautions, the virus has continued to spread within the group. We hope this short period will act as a fire break and enable us to move forward next week."
