Leeds Rhinos’ away Super League game against French side Catalans Dragons on Saturday will be played behind closed doors because of coronavirus concerns.
The French government have banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people, and the match in Perpignan will go ahead but without any spectators.
Catalans have already had two games postponed by bad weather, which made a further reschedule difficult to manage.
It is the first Super League game to be affected by the virus outbreak.
While there are currently no restrictions on Super League games in England, the Catalans shut-out reflects the decision made by the top two football divisions in France and neighbouring Spain.
Leeds will travel to Barcelona on Friday before moving north to Perpignan for the game, and will return from the Catalan city on Sunday.
They also have a game to reschedule, against Huddersfield, following the impact of Storm Ciara.
The Rhinos have asked fans who have purchased tickets for the Catalans game direct from them to contact the club for full refund.
“The clubs will comply with the restrictions placed upon them by the French government and other arrangements will be resolved between the two clubs,” the Rugby Football League said in a statement.
“The RFL stresses that this was a difficult decision enforced by the current circumstances, and acknowledges and has sympathy with the impact it will have on the Catalans club.
“The RFL will consult with Catalans regarding their other home fixture scheduled for the period covered by the decree, against Toronto Wolfpack on Saturday, April 11.”
