Should we postpone the World Cup?

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josie andrews
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

Post by josie andrews »

Rugby League World Cup: Organisers in emergency talks after withdrawals

World Cup organisers have held an emergency board meeting to discuss the feasibility of this year's tournament going ahead without defending champions Australia and New Zealand.

The two nations withdrew last week because of "player welfare and safety concerns" related to Covid-19.

Event chairman Chris Brindley said the board will meet again this week.

He said they are concentrated on "achieving the best possible outcome" for the tournament.

The World Cup is set to take place in England from 23 October to 27 November.

Organisers were last week given only four minutes' notice of Australia and New Zealand's intention to withdraw.

England's Rugby Football League (RFL) chairman Simon Johnson called it a "selfish, parochial and cowardly decision".

Australia's Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) said it was "premature" and "disappointing".

5 Live Rugby League podcast: 'We've been let down by two of the biggest nations in rugby league'
Australia, 11-time champions, and 2008 winners New Zealand have requested the tournament be postponed until 2022, but organisers say that will cause further problems because it will clash with other major sporting events.

Brindley said the board will continue to be "solutions focused" when they meet again.

"The board conducted constructive discussions on the best way forward for the tournament and will continue dialogue with all stakeholders, including the UK government," he said.

"The wellbeing of all those involved in the tournament, particularly players and team officials, have been the priority for the organisers.

"The board reiterated the relentless hard work and extraordinary measures that have been taken to create a world-class environment in line with other major sports event that have been successfully hosted in UK this year."

Former England coach and current South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach Wayne Bennett has said the tournament should go ahead without Australia and New Zealand.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/57967070
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
josie andrews
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

Post by josie andrews »

World Cup organisers set D-day date for competition's future

The withdrawal of Australia and New Zealand has left the tournament hanging in the balance.

World Cup organisers are set to make a decision on the future of the competition on Wednesday evening as they consider all options following the withdrawal of Australia and New Zealand.

Meetings have taken place since the shock news that two of the sport's leading nations would be pulling out, a decision that has resulted in worldwide scrutiny.

However, with their involvement off the table, the implications could be mammoth on the tournament, to the extent that the event could be cancelled.

That said, positive talks are also thought to have taken place that would see Indigenous and Maori select sides replace the two nations, with the sides likely to bring star players who would have represented Australia and New Zealand anyway

But the status of the tournament is now largely out of the hands of the organisers who have spent years preparing for the competition.

The UK government is set to have a significant influence on what happens next, with the decision set to be based on the financial implications of their withdrawal.

The absence of Australia and New Zealand is set to have a major impact on broadcast revenue and further ticket sales, both of which will be considered in the prospects of the competition.

The future of the competition is set to be much clearer come Wednesday evening, by which point it's hoped all information will be gathered to make an informed decision on the finances, as well as the logistics of bringing an Indigenous and Maori side into the event.

An emergency board meeting took place in the aftermath of the news, prompting event manager Chris Brindley to release a statement to the press outlining what was to come.

"The wellbeing of all those involved in the tournament, particularly players and team officials, have been the priority for the organisers," he said.

"The board reiterated the relentless hard work and extraordinary measures that have been taken to create a world-class environment in line with other major sports events that have been successfully hosted in UK this year."

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... d-21149964
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
josie andrews
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

Post by josie andrews »

NRL players found out about Australia's World Cup withdrawal on Instagram, claims England star Whitehead

A lot of players have been left incredibly unhappy with the decision to withdraw the world champions by the ARLC.

Elliot Whitehead has thrown further scrutiny over Australia's withdrawal from the World Cup after revealing that the majority of players he's spoken to in the NRL want to play in the competition.

And the Canberra Raiders forward also revealed that players found out about the decision through Instagram.

The England forward, who is set to be a part of Shaun Wane's side later this year, remains hopeful that the competition will still take place.

But he believes that such is the appetite for the competition, many will play for other nations if Australia and New Zealand don't feature.

A survey conducted by World Cup organisers showed that over 75% of players were completely willing to take part in the tournament, an opinion that appeared to fall on deaf ears of both the ARLC and NZRL.

"It's disappointing they've pulled out," Whitehead told Rugby League Live.

To have a World Cup you need them in it. It's a disappointment but hopefully, it still goes ahead and the RFL and World Cup can work on it and change their mind. There's going to be a lot of Australians there, I don't see why they can't come over.

"A lot of the players I've spoken to do want to play. A lot won't get another chance to play in a World Cup so want to be across to play in it."

Whitehead went on to reveal the feelings of several of his teammates towards the news, which came as a shock to them when it was announced.

"A lot of them are disappointed come the end of the year that they won't be able to play, they didn't really know anything about it other than seeing it on Instagram, they didn't know much that was going on behind the scenes and found out through social media.

I don't think the RLPA knew anything about it either to be fair. They just found out about it like everyone else did. The RLPA are saying a lot want to play in the World Cup and I'm sure they'll be having a say to make sure the players have a chance to represent their country and stuff. I'm sure a lot of boys will want to take part."

He believes that many players who would have represented the two powerhouse nations will find other ways to play in the tournament.

"Even if they don't play, that's why I hope it still goes ahead. Tonga, Samoa and others will have more players and it will make it a stronger competition."

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... p-21148897
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
josie andrews
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

Post by josie andrews »

James Graham believes self-interest is behind World Cup withdrawals

Former England captain James Graham says self-interest by the NRL clubs is at the heart of the decision by Australia and New Zealand to pull out of the World Cup.

The holders and 2008 champions cited player safety during the coronavirus pandemic as the reason for withdrawing from the England-based tournament which is due to get under way on October 23 but Graham has dubbed it a "straw man argument".

The former St Helens favourite, who has played in the NRL for St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bulldogs, has become a television pundit in Australia since retiring at the end of November's Super League Grand Final.

There are enough sporting events in the world right now that are going ahead," he told the PA news agency.

"They are clearly motivated by things that they're not saying. I don't believe the motivation for not participating in this tournament to be Covid or player welfare."

Graham believes the ARL Commission has bowed to pressure from the clubs, who feared disruption to their preparations for the 2022 season by some of their players not reporting back until February due to the need to quarantine on their return from England and then taking an agreed six-week holiday entitlement.

This has always been an issue and a problem in international rugby league in terms of NRL-based players having legal entitlements and it's easily debunked," he said.

"In 2017 the World Cup didn't finish until December. Just because you are entitled to your leave doesn't mean you have to take it, there's a bit of give and take with most clubs.

"What tends to happen is that there's an agreement between the clubs and their players. It's a straw man argument."

Graham, who played in the World Cups of 2008, 2013 and 2017, does not expect a change of heart from Australia or New Zealand but hopes their players are given the opportunity to play for other nations in the tournament.

"I can't see them changing their mind," said Graham, who has called for the creation of a think tank to shake up the international game. "I really do hope I'm wrong but they're not the type to do a U-turn on this.

"Part of me hopes that a majority of the 48 players denied an opportunity to play for Australia and New Zealand find another nation to represent.

Victor Radley can play for England and Tyson Frizell for Wales again, wouldn't that be great? I even saw Ryan Papenhuyzen put out a tweet about the Dutch coming in.

"It would be player power to say 'we wanted to play and we're going to play, it's just not going to be under your banner'.

"But that's a bit of an emotional response, to put one back on them.

What we probably need is to get some really good minds together and come up with a plan to grow the game at international level.

"It's something that needs to be looked at very carefully by some people who don't have self-interest at heart.

"And it's not just the NRL, clubs in the UK are just as guilty at having self-interest at the forefront of their minds.

"I get it, I understand it, but if you want to grow the game internationally you've got to let go of that.

"I know how important it is to get this right for the future of our game, both in England and internationally."

Graham, who won 44 caps for England and another nine for Great Britain, has been particularly upset by the lack of consultation and points to a survey conducted by the Australian players union, the RLPA, which claimed 75 per cent of its members wanted to go to the World Cup.

"If players decided they didn't want to go, I don't think anyone would begrudge them that but they haven't even been asked and that is not fair," he said.

"Having played at the top level for 17 or 18 years, some of my fondest memories and some of my proudest moments were the ability to represent my country and the people that did so much for me in my career.

"The players are going to miss out on that opportunity and the fact is they weren't even consulted or given an opportunity to ask questions."

World Cup organisers are continuing to weigh up their next move. An emergency board meeting was convened following the sudden announcement and members agreed to reconvene in the middle of this week to formulate their next step.

A statement read: "The Rugby League World Cup 2021 have held an emergency Board meeting following the hugely disappointing statement made by ARLC and NZRL.

"The Board conducted constructive discussions on the best way forward for the tournament and will continue dialogue with all stakeholders, including the UK Government, in the coming days.

"The well-being of all those involved in the tournament, particularly players and team officials, have been the priority for the organisers.

"The Board reiterated the relentless hard work and extraordinary measures that have been taken to create a world class environment in line with other major sports event that have been successfully hosted in UK this year.

"The Board will meet again in the coming days but in the meantime will continue to concentrate its efforts on being solutions focused and achieving the best possible outcome for the tournament."

https://amp.sportsmole.co.uk/rugby-leag ... ml?newsnow
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
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Mike
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

Post by Mike »

They should spend this week getting as many NRL players to commit to playing as possible and go ahead without official Aus and NZ teams. Either put them in heritage European sides, or unofficial rep sides.

Don't bother talking with the governing bodies, talk to the players.
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southportcdm
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

Post by southportcdm »

If Fiji, Samoa and Tonga picked up some of those players available the would all be very competitive with us. In fact Tonga would probably be clear favourites to win it.
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

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Rugby League World Cup 2021 Official Statement


The Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) Board held their scheduled meeting earlier today. While the Board reiterated the determination to deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup in history, they are also realistic about the significant challenges that threaten that ambition.

In light of the decision by the ARLC and NZRL to withdraw from the event this year, the Board have asked that the RLWC2021 team continue to hold further urgent discussions with all stakeholders, particularly the players, aimed at correcting misinformation as well as measuring the sentiment on proceeding with the tournament this year.

The RLWC2021 Board recognise the need to bring clarity and certainty to the situation. They have also underlined the relentless collaborative work that has been ongoing since the beginning of the pandemic to establish the most safe and secure environment for all involved - in line with other world class major events that have taken place successfully in the UK in 2021.

We want to thank you for your continued support and patience and we will communicate any further developments as soon as possible.

Thank you again for your support,

RLWC2021 Team

https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/323/ru ... -statement
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
josie andrews
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Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:17 pm
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

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Rugby League World Cup: Organisers admit 'significant challenges threaten' event

Organisers say there are "significant challenges that threaten" the Rugby League World Cup being staged as scheduled and will decide within days if it will go ahead later this year.

Australia and New Zealand pulled out of the event citing "player welfare and safety concerns" related to Covid-19.

Jon Dutton, chief executive of the tournament in England, says "further urgent discussions" are needed.

He added they will also focus on "correcting misinformation".

Following an emergency meeting of the event's board on Wednesday, Dutton said it will explore what appetite there is to go ahead as planned with the event, which is scheduled to kick off in October.

Dutton told BBC Sport that "time is no longer on our side" and that a final decision about the staging of the tournament, which includes men's, women's and wheelchair competitions, will come "in days not weeks".

In a statement, Dutton also said the board "recognise the need to bring clarity and certainty to the situation", adding it has been in regular contact with the UK government, saying its support has been "invaluable".

"The board have instructed myself and the RLWC2021 team to continue to hold further urgent discussions with all stakeholders, particularly the players, aimed at correcting misinformation as well as measuring the sentiment on proceeding with the tournament," Dutton said in the statement.

"While the board reiterated the determination to deliver the biggest and best-ever Rugby League World Cup in history, they are also realistic about the significant challenges that threaten that ambition."

5 Live Rugby League podcast: 'We've been let down by two of the biggest nations in rugby league'
Melbourne Storm and Queensland prop forward Christian Welch, who is also a director of the Rugby League Players' Association, says players were not consulted before reigning champions Australia, the 11-time winners, and New Zealand, who lifted the trophy once, in 2008, withdrew last week.

Dutton said it is "fundamental that players have a voice and a choice" in what happens with the event.

"We want to get out and supply the players directly with the information," he said.

"We want to sit down, we want to talk to them on a face to face basis and understand their concerns and then take a view in the coming days whether it is still achievable.

"This is a seminal moment for international rugby league and the work we have invested and position we have gotten the tournament into."

Talks with players include informing them of the "extraordinary measures" being undertaken to protect their wellbeing, while competing nations are being briefed so they can "fully understand any new or developing issues that will prevent them travelling to England in October".

Organisers also confirmed that they are in talks with the game's global governing body, International Rugby League, about replacement teams and "the implications" of Australia and New Zealand's withdrawal.

Dutton said the inclusion of an Indigenous Australian side and New Zealand Maori team are options "absolutely" being considered.

"It is a very inclusive and diverse tournament," he said. "Certainly some reports on the indigenous and Maori teams are of interest to us.

"At the end of the day, the decision on those teams would be for International Rugby League, and we are working closely with Troy Grant, the chairman, and his team."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58006088
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
josie andrews
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Re: Should we postpone the World Cup?

Post by josie andrews »

Rugby League World Cup: Players' union criticises Australia and New Zealand withdrawal

Players were not consulted before Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, a director of the Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) has said.

The competition is scheduled to be held in England in October and November, but Australia and New Zealand have pulled out, citing "player welfare and safety concerns" related to Covid-19.

"I was thoroughly disappointed [with the decision]," said Christian Welch, a Melbourne Storm and Queensland prop forward.

"Having had discussions with players, they were really excited about the opportunity to go to England and participate in the World Cup for their nation.

"They had an understanding of the pretty harsh protocols and quarantine, so it was not going to be the most enjoyable trip compared to pre-Covid times, but the majority of players were really keen to give it a go - that's what's so disappointing.

"We had an RLPA board meeting the day before it was announced and the players were caught off guard as 24 hours later we were told the Kiwis and Australians had pulled out.

"The major reason given was player welfare but the body that represents the majority of players was not consulted."

After the Covid-19 pandemic brought sports leagues around the world to a halt last year, Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) was one of the first to return to action in May 2020.

But Welch felt the NRL should have done more to help the World Cup go ahead.

"The most telling thing is how the NRL was able to come back from Covid and found an amazing way of state border exemptions but it seems the NRL have just wanted to quit on the World Cup," added Welch.

"I feel for the players that would've dearly loved to have played for their country. The game was really taking off a few years ago but this has been unfortunate for the game."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/57980708
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
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