Super League ready to extend season to see crowds return to games

With the sport still on an hiatus since coronavirus forced its closure in mid-March, clubs have been heartened by the Government’s decision to allow games for broadcast to be played behind closed doors from June 1.

Granted, that in itself creates myriad issues to overcome.

However, after a remote meeting today involving representatives from all dozen clubs as well as the Rugby Football League, a Super League statement said various scenarios will continue to be examined that are ‘likely to see fixtures rearranged to later in the year as part of an extended season.’

As expected, that now suggests the Old Trafford Grand Final date of October 10 is now scrapped as the competition prepares to push on further into the year to make up for what will be at least three months of missed action.

Elstone said: “The health of the public remains our number one priority - but we welcome the positive messages from the Government regarding the resumption of sport.

"Clearly, this is an important first step in getting us back playing again - but this is also the first step in a complex process that will require more of the Game-wide collaboration evident to date, as we look to find solutions, and deal with uncertainties.

"We share with our fans, players, broadcast and commercial partners the desire to get back on the field as soon as possible, in line with government advice on protecting everyone involved with our sport and the wider community we serve.

"Potential season start dates are all being considered as part of the extensive work going into fixtures scheduling and, whilst health remains paramount, we are committed to exploring all opportunities to deliver live rugby league in front of crowds."

During the pre-arranged regulatory meeting with the RFL, clubs considered the implications of the guidelines for staging behind closed doors matches and examined what might be a realistic expectation for when crowds are allowed to return.

Clearly, the impact of the pandemic topped the agenda and detailed discussions also took place regarding a safe and coordinated return of players to training.

Furthermore, a group of nominated clubs continue to examine a number of scenarios for that resumption of the season, with - according to Super League - ‘supporters still very much at the forefront of those discussions.’

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