Rugby League World Cup 2021 can be even bigger with Government bailout

The coronavirus has left the future of many clubs in jeopardy and brought added uncertainty for RLWC2021 who are due to host games next autumn at the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants.

Dutton said: “We very much welcome the emergency support that Government has given to rugby league in England at this time of significant challenge.

“The funding is undoubtedly recognition of the importance of the sport and next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

“Rugby League is a sport that unites communities, brings people together and has a demonstrable social impact particularly in the north of England where we will stage 85 per cent of tournament games. We’ve worked on this project for five years and have already achieved a great deal.

“Our legacy programme has already provided much-needed support to local communities not least through the CreatedBy capital grants and that work is not finished. This provision from the Government shows what rugby league means to our communities, which only adds to our motivation to make RLWC2021 the biggest, best and most inclusive celebration of rugby league on a global stage.”

However, RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer has admitted England’s three Test home series against Australia is in doubt.

The NRL season has been extended until late October, just a week before the scheduled first Test, and the Australian game is also planning to play the State of Origin series in November.

Rimmer – who says “multiple games at single venues” is being considered when club rugby league resumes here – insists the Test series is still on.

But he admitted: “I would be naive in the extreme if I wasn’t to say there was some threat to them. I was speaking with my colleagues in the NRL (on Thursday) and they are under tremendous pressure. They’ve rode their (Covid-19) curve out – though all bets are off and nothing is nailed down – and they’re wanting to get their season going, but yes, there is a threat to the Ashes.”

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