National Conference season to be replaced by regional fixtures
THIS YEAR’S National Conference League (NCL) season has been suspended and will be replaced by regionalised group games.
A statement released by League Chairman Trevor Hunt said: “Early July is being eyed by professional sport as a potential start date, but only behind closed doors, and of course the permission to stage events that will attract more than 500 people
It is hoped that the clubs will be able to maximise revenue from good-sized attendances
will be further down the list.
“Those would possibly include NCL games. In essence it is unlikely that an NCL season could not recommence until late July or early August, and that needs the pandemic to be conquered first.
“Therefore having taken all the above on board, it is with some sadness that the NCL management has unanimously decided to suspend the 2020 season for one that will be replaced by a series of regionalised group fixtures.
“There will be no promotion or relegation, but by the creation of a number of local derby games, it is hoped that the clubs will be able to maximise revenue from good-sized attendances at the same time saving on the amount of travel that will be required.
“There has been much speculation on how the regional groupings will be determined and how many fixtures they will provide. That will very much depend on a fixture start date being provided by the RFL in agreement with the government. Suffice to say we have a number of options that give a varying number of fixtures and which are flexible in the way they can be organised to give more or less games as the pandemic events unfold.
“What we will do is provide a meaningful competition that will give the players, coaches and fans something to aspire to, along with an ultimate Championship Final. However, the details will be revealed once we have a commencement date to work towards.
“We will of course enable the players two to three weeks to get back into a fitness regime with their clubs ahead of commencing fixtures.”
■ Rugby League European Federation general manager Chris Thair has stepped down from his post.
The former Wales Rugby League CEO was appointed in November 2018.
“I’d like to put on record my thanks to the RLEF and its 40 member nations for their support and endeavours and wish them the very best for the future,” the former student international said. “The RLEF will continue to drive the growth of the sport, having just agreed its new long-term strategy and calendar.
“I’m looking forward to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup being staged in England with increased European representation, and I have no doubt the 2022 European Championships will be the best yet.
“There are some tremendously dedicated and talented people involved in international rugby league, not least the volunteers and players who remain its heartbeat.”
RLEF chair, Maurice Watkins, said: “In his time as our general manager, Chris has been highly committed and we thank him for his efforts.
“His passion for the development of rugby league throughout the northern hemisphere has always shone through and we wish him all the very best in his future career.”