The Super League regular season has been cut short and a revised play-off format introduced after further positive coronavirus tests at Castleford Tigers and Hull KR.

After being informed that Castleford would be unable to play for another week and that Rovers could not fulfil their final three fixtures, a decision to wrap up the regular season this week was taken.

The top six clubs will now qualify for the play-offs, with the team that finishes seventh – Salford Red Devils or Huddersfield Giants – remaining on standby in case of further planning issues caused by COVID-19.

Super League has removed the previous requirement for a team to complete a minimum of 15 games, meaning Catalans Dragons will be able to take part in the knockout stages.

The teams that finish in the top two positions will sit out the first round of the play-offs, which are scheduled to begin on November 12, with the Grand Final taking place at the KCOM Stadium in Hull on November 27.

SEASON UPDATE

Revised play-off structure to begin next week

READ https://t.co/4YT5gfRRTL pic.twitter.com/NBkU0SgWXX
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 3, 2020

The final game of the regular season will see Wigan Warriors attempt to clinch the League Leaders' Shield against the Giants on Friday, knowing that defeat will hand the trophy to St Helens for a third straight year. Salford play Wakefield earlier in the day.

Saints' meeting with the Dragons, which was slated to take place on Thursday, has been cancelled due to the imminent national lockdown in the United Kingdom and heightened concerns over international travel.

Super League head of commercial Rhodri Jones said: "Nothing has been predictable in this 2020 season and we hope players, supporters and the media will appreciate why we have made this change.

"We believe this revised structure provides the best and fairest way to ensure the two most deserving teams reach the Grand Final.

"I'm sure everyone will be excited about five huge games, set to deliver an even more exciting climax to the 2020 season."