Important news on Leeds Rhinos’ fixture at Catalans Dragons released by RFL following death of Queen Elizabeth II

Rugby League will pay its respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II throughout the period of national mourning.

There will be no fixtures in England on Friday September 9 – this means the Betfred Championship fixture between Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams will be postponed, with a new date to be confirmed as soon as possible.

As Friday’s first Betfred Super League Elimination Play-Off is being played in Perpignan, it will go ahead as scheduled, as with other sporting events involving British teams abroad – with a minute’s silence before kick-off, and the players of Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos wearing black armbands.

Similarly, the Great Britain Community Lions will show their respect before the Final of the European Under-19s Championships against France in Italy on Saturday evening.

Further announcements will be made about the weekend fixtures at all levels, including the community game, Academy play-offs and the Betfred Women’s Super League Shield semi finals, following further meetings on Friday morning.

Earlier on tonight, the RFL paid tribute to the Queen: “On behalf of the RFL and the whole Rugby League family, I express our deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The whole sport is in deep mourning at this extremely sad news.

“Rugby League was honoured to have her as our Patron until 2016, and throughout her long reign, Her Majesty’s sense of duty and commitment, her spirit and wisdom has been an example to all of us.

“We give grateful thanks for Her Majesty’s constant and positive influence on our communities over many generations.

“We send our deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences to the Royal Family including the RFL Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.

“Our clubs and players at all levels will display their respect to Her Majesty wherever Rugby League is played in the coming days.”