Super League keen to play in front of crowds this season
SUPER LEAGUE chief executive Robert Elstone says they are “exploring all opportunities to deliver live rugby league in front of crowds” this summer as the competition prepares for an extended season.
With the sport still on a hiatus since coronavirus forced its closure in mid-March, clubs have been heartened by the Government’s decision to allow games for broadcast to be played behind closed doors from June 1.
Granted, that in itself creates myriad issues to overcome.
Obviously, players are currently furloughed and – as soon as they do return to training – that funding will then be removed.
A lack of crowds is something clubs must, initially at least, negotiate.
Nevertheless, given the Rugby Football League has received a £16m loan from the Government, the sport is in a better position than many.
After a remote meeting yesterday involving representatives from all dozen clubs as well as the RFL, a Super League statement said various scenarios will continue to be examined that are ‘likely to see fixtures rearranged to later in the year as part of an extended season.’
As expected, that now suggests the Old Trafford Grand Final date of October 10 is scrapped as the competition prepares to push on further into the year to make up for what will be at least three months of missed action.
Elstone said: “The health of the public remains our number one priority – but we welcome the positive messages from the Government regarding the resumption of sport.
“Clearly, this is an important first step in getting us back playing again – but this is also the first step in a complex process that will require more of the Gamewide collaboration evident to date, as we look to find solutions, and deal with uncertainties.
“We share with our fans, players, broadcast and commercial partners the desire to get back on the field as soon as possible, in line with government advice on protecting everyone involved with our sport and the wider community we serve.
“Potential season start dates are all being considered as part of the extensive work going into fixtures scheduling and, whilst health remains paramount, we are committed to exploring all opportunities to deliver live rugby league in front of crowds.”
During the pre-arranged regulatory meeting with the RFL, clubs considered the implications of the guidelines for staging behind closed doors matches and examined what might be a realistic expectation for when crowds are allowed to return.
Clearly, the impact of the pandemic topped the agenda and detailed discussions also took place regarding a safe and coordinated return of players to training.
Furthermore, a group of nominated clubs continue to examine a number of scenarios for that resumption of the season, with – according to Super League – ‘supporters still very much at the forefront of those discussions.’