Wait goes on for rugby league comeback date

There has been no rugby league played at any level in this country since March 15, but the government yesterday indicated “cultural and sporting events” could begin from June 1, behind closed doors.

Betfred Championship and League One clubs were already due to meet with the RFL tomorrow and a Super League regulatory meeting is planned for Thursday.

An easing of lockdown restrictions has raised hopes clubs could soon be allowed to resume training, which would pave the way for matches to return.

However, step one of the government’s ‘roadmap’ to lifting restrictions, which applies from tomorrow, stresses training sessions at community and junior clubs are not permitted and activity that involves opening clubhouses, changing rooms and so on also remains banned.

Step two, to begin no earlier than Monday, June 1, includes: “Permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact.”

The government’s recovery strategy warns opening stadiums to crowds “may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections”.

An RFL statement confirmed the governing body has been working with the government, UK Sport and other sports “to agree appropriate protocols relating to the return to training and in due course behind closed doors matches”.

It added: “Guidance on the return to training for elite sportsmen and women - individually or in small groups in the first instance - is being finalised at a national level and will then be shared across the sport.

“Work on behind closed doors sport will continue and each sport will then have to consider how the general national protocols are applied to its sport and effectively rolled out.

“The RFL will continue to work in conjunction with Super League, clubs and with player representatives on what these are for rugby league. These will relate to hygiene, social distancing and testing, with the focus being on appropriately safeguarding all individuals involved.

“Accordingly, it is not yet appropriate to specify a date when rugby league matches will recommence.”

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