LEEDS Rhinos have postponed Saturday's Betfred Super League game against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan after one of their players showed symptoms of the coronavirus, the club have announced.

Saturday's fixture was set to go ahead behind closed doors at Stade Gilbert Brutus but the Rhinos decided on Friday not to travel on medical grounds.

Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: "We are disappointed to be in a position whereby we have had to make this decision but the health and wellbeing of everyone is our paramount concern, particularly with us having to fly to fulfil the fixture."

A statement from Leeds read: "A member of the Leeds Rhinos squad has self-isolated after showing symptoms of possible coronavirus.

"The player is being managed in line with the current Department of Health guidance and subsequent steps for the rest of the squad, if necessary, will be advised by the Rhinos medical team in conjunction with the NHS."

The Rugby Football League gave the go-ahead on Tuesday for the game to be played behind closed doors after the French authorities banned gatherings of over 1,000 spectators.

The Leeds team were due to fly to Barcelona on Friday morning before travelling north to Perpignan ahead of Saturday's game and then returning to the UK via Barcelona on Sunday afternoon.

Sinfield added: "We were travelling on a scheduled flight to Barcelona and with one of our players self-isolating, we felt it was the responsible thing to do both for our players and staff and members of the public who we would share the flight with.

"I would like to thank Catalans Dragons for their understanding."