No date set for return to action after RFL and Super League meet
THE RUGBY Football League and Super League have confirmed the game’s shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic will last ‘considerably longer’ than the initial end date of April 3.
The two organisations held talks on Tuesday, pledging to be ‘as flexible as possible’ when the opportunity to restart the 2020 season at all levels finally presents itself.
No possible date for a return to action for professional and amateur competitions in the UK has been set following the meeting, with RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer urging all parties in the sport to continue the unity they have shown during this period so far.
“Following Tuesday’s meeting of Betfred Super League clubs, we will also be updating other sections of the game with the latest thinking regarding the suspension of the season, as the sensible approach is clearly to continue working on various scenarios while acknowledging that the suspension is going to be considerably longer than the three-week period we had initially confirmed,” Rimmer stated.
“The key for the sport is to continue acting in a collegiate, united and positive way.”
Rimmer’s opposite number at Super League, the former Everton FC executive Robert Elstone, commented: “With the country having taken such unprecedented measures, the primary focus and priority for all has to be the public health emergency - an approach that is equally applicable for our overseas clubs.
“Rugby league clubs are deeply embedded in their communities, and we are committed as a sport to following Government advice and doing all we can to promote the importance of physical and mental health - for our supporters, players and colleagues.
“In line with the approach announced by the UK Government on Monday night, we will regularly review the situation regarding the possibility of resuming fixtures - and remain as flexible as possible, in consultation with other partners, and with the key considerations of financial sustainability and player welfare.”