Sport hit by volcanic ash cloud from Iceland

British sports teams have been hit by travel problems after flights were grounded around the UK because of ash from the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Four rugby league Challenge Cup ties involving French sides set for this weekend have been thrown into doubt.

The Great Britain ice hockey team were due to fly to Slovenia on Friday morning for the World Championships but are now likely to travel by coach.

They hope to have Saturday's opening match against Croatia rescheduled.

"There will be no flights until 1pm on Friday and we don't know even then if we can get out at this time," said GB's Andy Buxton.

"We have booked a Eurotunnel crossing for 5.20pm on Friday and are trying to bump up the waiting list to see if we can get out any earlier.

"The reality is that once off the Eurotunnel we will be in line for an 18-20 hour bus trip, meaning it isn't likely we will be in Ljubljana in time for our opening game against Croatia by 1pm on Saturday.

"We have asked the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) to reschedule our opening game and hope to hear from their organising committee shortly.

"We can assure all our supporters that we are working on this around the clock to try and resolve this problem and will of course keep all interested parties advised of any further progress."

In rugby league's Challenge Cup, Widnes and St Helens are due to host French sides FC Lezignan-Corbieres and Toulouse respectively on Saturday.

Leigh travel to face Limoux on Saturday, with Salford visiting Catalans Dragons the following day.

"We are monitoring the situation and keeping in contact with the clubs," said a Rugby Football League spokesman.

After their flight to Carcassonne was cancelled on Thursday, Leigh opted to drive to Folkestone for an overnight stay before boarding the Eurostar train to France on Friday morning.

Leigh chief executive Allan Rowley said: "Today's volcanic eruption has caused chaos across Europe and unfortunately it became apparent at lunchtime that flying to France was no longer an option.

"Today has been a real challenge for us but, in the end, happily we managed to find some transport and are now on our way to Carcassonne."