BRADFORD Bulls have announced that the majority of their staff have been placed on furlough leave due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The move was widely-known to be happening, as reported by T&A Chief Sports Writer Simon Parker on Monday during his interview with acting Bulls chief executive Mark Sawyer.

Staff on furlough will receive 80 per cent of their salary as part of the plan to protect businesses during this period of limbo.

Bulls are set to follow a similar system implemented by Championship neighbours Halifax, who were the first to announce that cuts would have to be made.

The club also confirmed that its online shop would no longer process and post orders during these times of uncertainty, before placing on record their thanks to all the key workers up and down the country.

Bulls issued this statement on their website: "Bradford Bulls can confirm earlier this week the majority of staff have been placed on furlough leave – as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Following Government guidance, the club closed its Team Shop and Offices last week – with The Big One lottery also temporarily ceasing.

"As a result of this move – which is in line with rugby clubs up and down the country - the club can no longer process and post orders through our Online Shop. All orders placed by Friday 27th March have been dispatched.

"There will be limited content distributed via Social Media but no emails throughout this period.

"The safety of players, staff and supporters is our priority through these unprecedented times.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to all key workers who are working tirelessly.

"We wish you all the best of health and we will communicate further updates when they are available."