YORK City Knights have pulled out of their Coral Challenge Cup tie against Castleford Tigers.

York have been out of action since their 70-12 victory over Rochdale Hornets on March 15 which booked their place in the sixth round against Super League side Castleford.

The coronavirus pandemic has meant that York and all other clubs in the Betfred Championship and League 1 have been out of action since, with their 2020 league seasons being cancelled last week.

The Challenge Cup will still go ahead but York have joined Toronto Wolfpack and the other clubs outside Super League in pulling out of the competition, it is thought, due to the costs of bringing their players off of furlough and of staging matches behind closed doors.

In a statement, York said that they yesterday "informed the RFL board that with great disappointment we will not be taking part in the Coral Challenge Cup Round 6 tie vs Castleford Tigers.

"The Knights confirmation of non-participation was reached upon after considering the wishes and welfare of the playing squad, performance staff and primary stakeholders."

York chairman Jon Flatman said: “I know this outcome is one which will disappoint many fans and also has our staff and playing group however it is the only sensible decision at this time.

“The decision has been made with plans for a very exciting future in mind and announcements will be forthcoming in due course.”

The Challenge Cup will now be drawn again, the competition have confirmed.

Elsewhere, it has been reported that York will withdraw from the RFL's invitational Autumn competition.

Halifax, Sheffield Eagles, Rochdale and Keighley Cougars have already announced that they will not be participating.