TYNEDALE Rugby Club has cancelled this weekend's senior team fixtures after one of its first team players contracted MRSA.

The club confirmed that one of its first XV players had contracted the bacteria infection, and said several other team members were awaiting tests.

Tynedale RFC's chief executive Neil Foster said the club was in regular contact with the National Clubs Association (NCA) and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), which was liaising with Public Health England. 

Mr Foster said: "One of our 1st XV players has this week been confirmed to have contracted MRSA.

"Several other team members are currently awaiting the result of tests having also suffered from cuts and grazes following a recent match.

"This type of infection can be serious in a hospital setting but is readily treatable in normal healthy adults.

"However it is contagious, and may be spread via close physical contact. Tynedale RFC is therefore taking all precautions to avoid further contagion, including postponement of all senior rugby fixtures this coming weekend."

Senior matches cancelled include the first XVs National League Two fixture at Chester on Saturday.

Mr Foster added: "All of the club's junior rugby fixtures are expected to continue as normal this weekend, as the relevant health authorities have no concerns about the wider club community."