The Rugby League World Cup has been left in shock after Australia and New Zealand pulled out due to “player welfare and safety concerns” related to Covid-19.
England is due to host the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events this autumn.
It is a huge blow to the organisers with the reigning champions missing out.
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) chief Greg Peters came out and said it was “simply too unsafe” to take part.
The decision has not gone down very well with Rugby Football League (RFL) whose chairman Simon Johnson announced it as a ‘selfish, parochial and cowardly decision’.
Talking to BBC Radio 4 Johnson said: “Rugby League World Cup organisers have bent over backwards to offer every assurance to the Australians and the Kiwis.”
“We are very unhappy with this decision and we are not prepared to take it lying down.”
But, NZRL chief Peters feels the decision had to be made because they “cannot be guaranteed to our satisfaction” for their players and staff.
RFL president Clare Balding told BBC it’s ‘odd timing’ for Australia and New Zealand to pull out of the Rugby League World Cup and ‘Without Australia and New Zealand, this is catastrophic’.
Meanwhile, Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’landys said: “Not participating in this year’s World Cup is not a decision the commission has taken lightly, but we must put the best interests of our players and officials first. Protecting them is our absolute priority.
“We have again requested the IRL and Rugby League World Cup consider postponing the event until 2022 to enable all players to participate.”
Despite Australia and New Zealand’s concerns International Rugby League chair Troy Grant has been critical of the decision to withdraw.
Having been in regular communication with Australia’s Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) and he is satisfied with the assurances that he received and that a number of players and coaches are satisfied with the procedures that have been put in place.
The Australia’s players’ union feel that the decision has been premature and RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said it is “disappointing”.
Even though Australian and New Zealand withdrawing Tonga, Fiji and Samoa are still set to compete in the World Cup.
