Rugby League World Cup postponed until 2022 after New Zealand and Australia pull out

The Rugby League World Cup had been due to begin in Newcastle in October
The Rugby League World Cup had been due to begin in Newcastle in October (Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com/RLWC2021)

The Rugby League World Cup, which was due to be held in England later this year, has been postponed until 2022 due to New Zealand and Australia withdrawing.

After weeks of speculation the decision was made by the RLWC2021 board in conjuncture with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the International Rugby League (IRL) Board.

New Zealand and Australia announced last month that they were to pull out of the tournament, citing concerns over rising Covid cases in the UK.

“Today is a challenging moment for everyone involved in Rugby League, but most importantly the players and fans of the competing nations,” said RLWC2021 chief executive Jon Dutton.

“However, following the disappointing decision of the ARLC [Australia] and NZRL [New Zealand] 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 refusal from the NRL competition in Australia to allow the release of up to 400 players, match officials and staff members backed organisers into a corner.

“Ultimately this decision has been detrimental to the plans and ambitions of many of the competing nations and potential replacement teams,” RLWC2021 said in its statement.

The Rugby League World Cup was due to begin in Newcastle in October, with some matches also set to be held in London.

It was to be the first edition of the tournament to stage the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions concurrently.

The RLWC2021 board said its decision followed extensive and urgent consultation with players, competing nations and the UK government.

“We have always prioritised player voice and player choice,” Dutton added. “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.”