Coronavirus: Toronto Wolfpack suspend training after COVID-19 scare

Super League side Toronto Wolfpack have suspended training and stood down their entire UK-based staff after four players experienced coronavirus symptoms, head coach Brian McDermott said.

Rugby Football League (RFL) has instructed clubs to continue playing games amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but Toronto's announcement on Sunday could change the dynamic.

Canada's Toronto are due to face Wakefield Trinity on March 22, however, that fixture is now in doubt as the virus continues to disrupt sport around the world.

"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. We take this very seriously and as a precaution, we have stood down our entire playing staff in the UK," McDermott said in a statement.

Statement from Brian McDermott: pic.twitter.com/ssk8ZtYtRt

— Toronto Wolfpack (@TOwolfpack) March 15, 2020

"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.

"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.

"We will continue to monitor this while providing updates to our league's governors and wait for a directive from them."