WHARFEDALE'S Boxing Day match against close rivals North Ribblesdale will now not go ahead due to concerns for player and spectator safety amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

After the Rugby Football Union had said organised contact friendlies could happen from December 18, it opened up the possibility of the annual friendly between the pair.

With many other clubs in the area reluctant to return to action in 2020, it seems the Greens and Ribb were quite ambitious in aiming to put on the game at The Avenue in front of a crowd during the festive period.

Both clubs are now hopeful the clash will take place at some point next year.