FOLLOWING guidance from the governing body following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, Leigh Centurions have confirmed that Sunday’s Betfred Championship game against Batley Bulldogs at Leigh Sports Village will go ahead as scheduled.

The Rugby Football League have issued guidance to clubs over the way the weekend’s games are to be conducted during this national period of mourning.

Leigh's directors considered whether to postpone the presentation of the League Leaders’ Shield that was planned for the end of the game and consulted its staff and players as well as the governing body as to how to mark the club’s achievement in the most dignified, fitting and respectful manner.

A club statement read: "The Queen honoured the town of Leigh by conducting the official opening of the magnificent Leigh Sports Village in May 2009 alongside her late husband HRH Duke of Edinburgh, and the late Lord Peter Smith and was also a former Patron of the Rugby Football League.

"We therefore felt it was appropriate to mark the Club’s record-breaking achievement by receiving the shield at the end of the game in a manner that we can mark our respect of the Queen’s service to the game of Rugby League and the opening of our stadium, the Leigh Sports Village.

"The game will be preceded by a minute’s period of silence where spectators can gather their own thoughts and pay their respects, and this will be followed by the playing of the new National Anthem “God Save The King” which we hope our fans will join in singing.

"During the game there will be no music and the LED advertising boards will be blackened out as a mark of respect."

Players and performance staff will be wearing black armbands and club officials will be in black attire.

After the game the players will be presented with the League Leaders’ Shield by Rugby Football League CEO Ralph Rimmer and will be available for photographs with supporters.

The statement continued: "But any celebrations over the team’s momentous achievements during the season will be respectful and muted and we trust our fans will be understanding of this.

"The great game of Rugby League has always led the way in showing how to conduct events at times of national importance and we know that the supporters of Leigh Centurions, Batley Bulldogs and any neutrals attending Sunday’s game will welcome this opportunity to show our grief, unity, and respect at this time."