Reserves League cancelled - but clubs could play Nines instead

The Reserves League was only re-introduced as a mandatory requirement for English-based top-flight clubs this term and it was seen as a positive for developing and retaining more homegrown talent.

However, the competition - which also includes Bradford Bulls, London Broncos, Widnes Vikings and Newcastle Thunder - was only four rounds old when the pandemic brought all forms of the sport to a standstill last month.

The RFL has liaised with clubs regarding appropriate amends to the Operational Rules for 2020 and has also worked with them on arrangements for not only the Reserves League but also the (Under-18) Academy Championship and Under-16 Scholarships for the rest of the year.

With clubs expecting to have to play midweek games whenever the season resumes, it is obvious Super League outfits especially will need the services of all the players they can muster for first-team action.

“We have had extensive discussions with clubs about how best to amend our schedules for the Reserves League, Academy Championship and Under-16s Scholarship in this unprecedented period, bearing in mind the three pillars of player welfare, competition integrity and financial sustainability,” said RFL chief on-field officer Dave Rotheram.

“We regarded the revival of a Reserves League as an important step forward this year, the clubs were supportive of that, and the season had started well until the abrupt suspension of all Rugby League activity last month.

“We have to recognise that the priority for clubs whenever activity can resume will be completing the first team season, and that is why we have cancelled the Reserves League for 2020.

“But equally, clubs are aware that they have invested in the return of Reserves, and made commitments to players, so we will be encouraging them to be imaginative in finding ways to provide competitive rugby for squad players, by arranging friendly fixtures which could involve pooling players between clubs, or even playing Nines matches or festivals.

“We will also need to be flexible in terms of resuming the Academy Championship for Under-18s, and the Under-16s Scholarship programme, and we have already spoken to Heads of Youth about some possible changes to the schedule.

“Public health remains the priority for the RFL and the sport, but we are also determined to ensure the game is ready to resume in the strongest possible way whenever that is appropriate, and the talented young players in our clubs’ Academies and scholarship programmes will have a big part to play in our future.”