SM
Man City vs. Chelsea: 18 hrs 37 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Coronavirus latest: Super League chief expecting radical changes to be considered

:Headline: Coronavirus latest: Super League chief expecting radical changes to be considered: ID:393130: from db_amp
Some clubs are already behind with fixtures due to postponements caused by the Cup and by Storm Ciara.

Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone admits radical changes to the structure of the season may have to be considered if there is a prolonged shutdown.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) and Super League jointly announced on Monday that all fixtures, from the top flight down to the community game, will be postponed until April 3 at the earliest due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the Government's decision to stop supporting mass gatherings.

A full two rounds of league action will be lost and there is a major doubt over the Coral Challenge Cup sixth round ties which are due to be played on the weekend of April 4-5.

Catalans Dragons have played only four of seven scheduled Super League fixtures so far due to a combination of factors. Here is why their game against Wakefield at Belle Vue called off due to Storm Ciara (PA Images/Mike Egerton)

Some clubs are already behind with fixtures due to postponements caused by the Cup and by Storm Ciara while Catalans Dragons also have games against St Helens and Leeds to re-arrange after they fell victim to the World Club Challenge and the Coronavirus respectively.

Elstone says discussions have already taken place with the Super League clubs about how changes may have to be made to the format when the fixtures eventually return.

"It has to be very fluid," he said. "We've already talked internally and to the RFL about how we might accommodate that.

“Ultimately clubs want to protect their regular home season fixture list and that needs to take priority”
-

"Ultimately clubs want to protect their regular home season fixture list and that needs to take priority.

"There will come a point when it gets more challenging. But the message is that this is being monitored day to day and fixture lists will emerge on a similar basis subject to what the advice and messaging from Government is."

It is not inconceivable that the eagerly-awaited Ashes Series in the autumn could become a casualty of any prolonged disruption.

In Australia, it has emerged that talks have already taken place with Queensland and New South Wales about moving the State of Origin series from the middle of the season to October and November, which would clash directly with the Kangaroos' scheduled visit to England.

Meanwhile, RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer says the governing body has not ruled out seeking Government help during the enforced lay-off.

"In the next couple of weeks, we intend to review everything," he said.

"All the partners in the equation, which will include the Government and broadcast and commercial partners, are going to have to get their heads together and come up with solutions.

"No one party is going to solve this."

amp_article__393130 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-03-17 10:36:27:
html db last update - 2021-03-11 04:59:30 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Coronavirus outbreak - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Robert Elstone

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .