Rugby team sent 'terrorist threat' as police respond after play-off clash

St Helens left Hull KR's Craven Park stadium under police protection after what the club branded a "terrorist threat" was sent to one of their social media accounts.

The final whistle of the play-off semi-final between KR and St Helens sparked jubilation among home supporters, but there was concern within the Saints organisation as head coach Paul Wellens was spotted in discussion with officers before heading to the dressing room.

When questioned by Mirror Sport's sister title All Out Rugby League regarding the police involvement, a club spokesman confirmed it was regarding a threat which had been posted to the club's Instagram page.

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"We had a terrorist threat to the Saints Instagram account," they said. "We reported it to our ground safety officer. Our ground safety officer then spoke to the GSO here.

"They are taking it with the upmost seriousness."

Neither Hull KR nor St Helens are anticipated to make further comment presently and understandably the specifics of the threat remain undisclosed.

All involved parties are believed to have treated the threat extremely seriously.

The development emerged after Saints witnessed their campaign come to an end in Hull at the hands of the Challenge Cup champions. For the second consecutive week, Saints demonstrated a strong fighting spirit to claw their way back into the match.

However, unlike the previous week at Headingley, there was no late drama at Craven Park as the Cup winners and League Leaders' Shield victors maintained their composure and extended their lead each time Saints threatened to close the gap.

This marks the conclusion of a somewhat tumultuous season for Wellens' team, who bounced back from early season difficulties to comfortably secure a top six position and subsequently reach the semi-finals.

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