BRADFORD Bulls have announced this weekend’s women's Challenge Cup clash with holders St Helens has been forfeited, meaning the Merseyside team will receive the two points and a 48-0 victory.

The fixture was due to be played at the Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Saturday 23 March – but a combination of injuries and work commitments have left head coach Connor Matheson unable to raise a team.

Bradford Bulls’ Joint Head of Women’s and Girls Rugby Rebecca Ball-Knight and Natalie Moorhouse said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and it is with regret that we have had to take this action.

“This decision has been made due to only being able to name a team of 13 players, including some carrying injuries.

“We have to safeguard our players and only being able to name 13 players, meaning we are unable to field a full team, would be not putting our players’ safety first.

“We send our apologies to St Helens and wish them the best of luck for the rest of the campaign.”

The victory for St Helens means they have all but sealed their progression to the Quarter-Finals of this years competition, while the Bulls are now out.

Speaking to the cup holders' official website, head coach of the Saints, Matty Smith said: “We're obviously disappointed that the game is not going ahead now. We had prepared well for the game this weekend and was looking forward to getting to visit Odsal on Saturday.

"We now have to look ahead to our last Group Stage game against Warrington in April, with two weeks now to prepare for that game which looks like it could be winner tops the group.”