SM
Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: 13 hrs 36 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

RFL confirms there will be no return to action in foreseeable future

:Headline: RFL confirms there will be no return to action in foreseeable future: ID:394123: from db_amp
RFL keen not to be committed to another deadline.

The Rugby Football League has confirmed there will be no resumption of fixtures in the foreseeable future.

The RFL imposed a three-week shutdown for the entire game from March 16 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and, following a conference call on Tuesday to update Super League clubs on the latest situation, the governing body acknowledged the suspension will continue indefinitely.

After announcing an initial postponement to April 3, the game's rulers are keen not to tie themselves to another deadline, particularly after the national lockdown ordered by the Government, as they work out their next step.

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: "The sensible approach is clearly to continue working on various scenarios while acknowledging the suspension is going to be considerably longer than the three-week period we had initially confirmed."

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer updated Super League clubs on the coronavirus latest (PA Images/Anthony Devlin)

The RFL has circulated clubs with a number of contingency plans and has asked the Government for financial support to help them keep clubs afloat without matchday income.

Rimmer says planning is based on three key elements -trying to keep the clubs solvent, player welfare (asking the players to play four times a week is not feasible) and competition integrity.

"We've done a great deal of planning with many different scenarios that have been mapped out," he said.

"Nevertheless, if we are to find a way through this, everyone has to come to the table and be able to give a little.

“We've done a great deal of planning with many different scenarios that have been mapped out”
-

"The general approach to that from all the stakeholders is very positive and understanding."

Flexibility was a theme of the meeting with clubs given various scenarios for a potential restarting point in May and June and the possibility of playing matches behind closed doors in order to fulfil broadcast commitments was aired.

Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone said: "Super League and its clubs are working round the clock to prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead and to ensure the sport is in the best possible place for when life returns to normal.

"Our priorities are the health of our players and staff and the economic well-being of our clubs.

Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone is in talks with broadcast partner Sky (PA Images/Peter Byrne)

"We welcome the government's proposals to help businesses, and in partnership with the RFL we are exploring all the options available to us.

"We are also keeping close to all our partners and, in particular, offering all our support to Sky Sports.

"Most of all, we are sticking together and looking out for the health of our families, friends and colleagues."

The NRL is also shut down due to the global pandemic and an extension to the two domestic seasons would inevitably mean the cancellation of the Kangaroos tour scheduled for October and November.

amp_article__394123 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-03-24 19:29:21:
html db last update - 2021-03-05 04:01:03 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Coronavirus outbreak - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Ralph Rimmer

Share this article now:
Read more about Ralph Rimmer Rugby League
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool34228475344174
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916
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.



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