Aussie charter flights an option for rugby league World Cup teams
ORGANISERS of the 2021 rugby league World Cup are exploring the options of laying on charter flights from Australia to ensure the tournament goes ahead as planned in England this autumn.
Officials have yet to make a final call on how to proceed but, as the Covid vaccination rollout sweeps across the country, there is growing optimism for the tournament, from October 23 to November 27.
With at least half the players from the 16 nations scheduled to arrive from the southern hemisphere, travel restrictions remain a concern but International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant says he was encouraged by his meeting with World Cup officials this week.
‘‘The local organising committee are very mindful of what every sporting organisation faces, which are the continual moving pandemic challenges,’’ Grant said. ‘‘Every logistical challenge for player and official welfare and protection is being made and provisions put in place.
‘‘We appreciate the support of the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association) and member nations, who understand the value of the World Cup and the opportunity once every four years for these players get to represent their nation of birth or nation of heritage.
‘‘Rugby League World Cup is dealing directly with governments and the Australian and UK Prime Ministers spoke about the World Cup this week.
It is thought several countries have yet to sign participation agreements and NRL clubs are said to remain nervous about releasing their players but organisers are working on ways to allay their fears.
More than 400 players and officials based in the southern hemisphere are likely to be offered chartered return flights to England to avoid mixing with the general public, but they will be required to complete a two-week quarantine on their return.
Teams are likely to be allowed to name squads of up to 30 instead of 24. There are no plans for compulsory vaccinations and it is expected players who feel uncomfortable about the situation will not be prevented from the leaving the tournament.
Organisers have contingency plans to play in front of reduced crowds but the Government’s plans to remove all restrictions by July 19 have given rise to more optimism about full houses.
On the day it was advised the Tokyo Olympic Games should be held behind closed doors, the World Cup organisers’ option of postponing to next year appears to be fast receding.