KEIGHLEY Cougars were left reeling after both the men's and women's fixtures were called off due to coronavirus over the weekend, but general manager Lisa Gill is hopeful normality will return on Sunday.

The men were lucky to play their game against West Wales on June 13, after a positive case and another five having to self-isolate.

But with a further positive case last Friday, and more having to self-isolate, Cougars met the threshold of a minimum of seven players ruled out as a result of Covid-19 - allowing them to postpone their game with Coventry.

Though none of the women's team have tested positive as yet, several of them were identified as close contacts of a positive case, meaning their game with Halifax at Cougar Park in the Women's Championship was called off too.

Gill explained: "The weekend was very disappointing for everyone, the players and fans.

"The ladies haven't had any positives but lots had to isolate, and two of our men tested positive.

"Due to bubbles, that took out a number of players, so they couldn't play.

"The players are in a difficult situation because they're largely in an age group which are just being called up for their vaccination, so they're essentially vulnerable.

"The other factor is most of the men are part-time players, and all of the women are.

"We can control what they do at Cougar Park, but then they've all got their lives as teachers, doctors and in construction, their daily work.

"We're working closely with the RFL, operating within the latest guidelines and are hopeful the home game with London Skolars should go ahead this weekend."

Asked about the current situation, Gill said: "We're able to train at the minute and we're testing daily.

"We're making the safety and well being of the players a priority, as well as our spectators, who we want to feel confident in coming down to Cougar Park.

"We've currently go six isolating, and one positive case, but that initial batch (who missed the West Wales game) are all back from today.

"Sadly the second group will be unavailable for this weekend too."

Asked if it was disappointing after all the hard work that has been put in to make Cougar Park and rugby league safe this season, Gill said: "It is a difficult time.

"But it's difficult for everybody around the world at the moment.

"As I said, we're doing everything we can to keep everyone safe and the indications are London will go ahead, so we can hopefully look forward to a great occasion on Sunday.

"The ladies weren't due to have a game anyway, so hopefully it will soon be business as usual."

Coventry and Cougars will now liaise with the RFL on a possible rearrangement of that match later in the summer, while Keighley and Halifax will update their fans on the women's game in due course.