‘Common sense prevails’: Rugby League World Cup officially postponed until 2022

The Rugby League World Cup has officially been postponed until 2022.

A fortnight after Australia and New Zealand pulled out of this year’s scheduled event citing health concerns, tournament organisers have agreed to put the event back 12 months. There has been a stand-off in recent weeks between the various stakeholders as tournament officials threatened to go ahead with competition in England this year despite the absence of its two biggest drawcards.

Some consideration was given to replacing the Kangaroos and Kiwis with an Indigenous and Maori side but after two days of solid deliberation the organisers opted to delay until next year.

Sources with knowledge of the situation said the decision was reached after the British government committed to stumping up the $47.5 million required to host the event next year.

There has been tension between officials from opposing hemispheres on the issue. Rugby Football League chairman Simon Johnson has been particularly scathing about the withdrawal of the Kangaroos and Kiwis, describing the decision as “selfish, parochial and cowardly”. Johnson added that the boycott also undermined the sport’s bid for inclusion at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

“Today is a challenging moment for everyone involved in rugby league, but most importantly the players and fans of the competing nations,” said RLWC2021 CEO John Dutton.

“Ultimately, time and competing priorities from others forced us to make the most difficult decision in our six-year history. However, we and the sport of rugby league are resilient, and next year we will deliver our vision of the biggest and best rugby league World Cup ever.

“We have always prioritised player voice and player choice. We have established a player working group, met with senior players and in the last few days commissioned a player survey to domestic players in Australia and New Zealand that showed more than 85 per cent wanted to compete at RLWC2021 this year.

“However, following the disappointing decision of the ARLC and NZRL to withdraw, and the subsequent impact on player availability for other competing nations, it is apparent that delivering the tournament this year would not be feasible.

“The wellbeing of all those involved in the tournament, particularly players and team officials, has been our priority. I would like to thank the RLWC2021 Board and my team for the relentless hard work and extraordinary measures that had been undertaken to create a safe and secure environment in line with other major sports events that have been successfully hosted in the UK this year.

“I would also like to thank all our committed partners as well as the Rugby League community at large who have been so supportive of our trailblazing event. We appreciate the continued and unequivocal support of the UK Government, as well as the understanding of our competing nations.”

The Australian Rugby League Commission has maintained the safety of its players was paramount given the COVID risks.

The Rugby League World Cup will now be staged in 2022.Credit:Getty

International Rugby League board member Peter Beattie, who is also a director of the ARLC, said common sense has prevailed.

“The postponement is the right decision for International Rugby League and as more people are vaccinated by 2022 it will mean larger crowds and full strength Kangaroos and Kiwi teams,” Beattie said.

“It is a common-sense decision. Player and fan welfare are our top priorities. That is why I voted for and argued for the 2022 postponement.

“RLWC2022 has the potential to be one of the most successful World Cups on record.

“International rugby league can grow the game if all nations work together.

“We therefore need to put some of the recent critical comments of Australia and NZ behind us. Rugby League is a robust game. None of us are shrinking violets.

“Coming out of the pandemic it will have a really high level of excitement and anticipation.

“Finally, today’s concerning Covid figures of 262 locally acquired cases and five deaths prove that postponement of the RLWC was the most sensible and correct decision to protect our players.”

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