Pulling out of Cup ‘cowardly’

Australia and New Zealand were “selfish” and “cowardly” for pulling out of the Rugby League World Cup in October in England, says England’s league boss.

The Southern Hemisphere giants stunned organisers when they withdrew, citing player welfare and safety concerns in the pandemic. They want the World Cup postponed to 2022.

Only a week ago, organisers confirmed the joint men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournament was going ahead from October 23, although Australia had yet to sign the participation agreement.

“The World Cup organisers have bent over backwards and turned double somersaults to meet every single requirement that was asked of them, by the Australians particularly,” English Rugby Football League chairman Simon Johnson said.

“To have those assurances completely dismissed, I am angry about this. This is a selfish, parochial and cowardly decision which has been taken by the Australian and New Zealand leadership.”

The issue was raised in the British Parliament by Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg, while Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, a Warrington fan, said he would meet tournament organisers to discuss the matter.

International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant, also disgusted, said some players were considering switching allegiances to other nations to enable them to take part.

Grant said he would meet with the organisers to consider their options, including cancelling the World Cup.