How rugby league fans will be affected by Plan B rules to handle Omicron Covid-19 variant

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josie andrews
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How rugby league fans will be affected by Plan B rules to handle Omicron Covid-19 variant

Post by josie andrews »

A lot of fans will be forced to show their vaccination passports at game across the country following Boris Johnson's announcement of new rules being brought in to control to Omicron variant of Covid-19.

On Wednesday, Boris Johnson confirmed new rules were being introduced in an attempt to tackle the rise in infections of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant.

As part of the new rules, rugby league fans are facing the prospect of having to prove their vaccination status, or produce proof of a negative lateral flow test, in order to watch their team. Johnson said any event hosting more than 10,000 people, or any unseated outdoor venue with more than 4,000 people in attendance will need to provide documentation to gain entry to the game.

While the new rules may be seen as unfavourable by some supporters, for a number of rugby league clubs, the new rules present a new, problematic challenge.

Clubs must now find a logistical way to check Covid passports of thousands of fans, as well as checking documents that prove a valid, negative lateral flow test.

For some clubs, the issue is more urgent than others. While the regular season doesn't start for another two months, some clubs are hosting pre-season friendlies that are likely to surpass the attendance thresholds. One example is on Boxing Day when Leeds Rhinos host Wakefield Trinity in the annual Wetherby Whaler fixture. If the new rules are passed through the Government, the club will have just two weeks to set up for checking passports and later flow tests.

When contacted by Rugby League Live, one Super League chief executive admitted it was a relief that they were currently out of season as it would buy clubs time to come up with solutions.

How clubs plan to implement the new requirements remains to be seen, though it's likely to be different at venues given the gulf in size and quality of facilities across the competition.

For clubs outside Super League, the impact shouldn't be too severe, only Bradford Bulls and Leigh Centurions are likely to regularly attract over 4,000 supporters to games.

But for the vast majority of Super League clubs, action is likely to be required.

There is some confusion over the rulings. The 4,000 capacity for unseated outdoor venues is somewhat open to interpretation. A number of facilities in Super League, such as Warrington, Hull KR, Salford, Castleford and Wakefield, are half standing, half seating. It's unclear what the rules will be for those venues but it's been suggested that local authorities could be left to interpret the rules as they see fit.

As for the fans, it gives them an extra thing to remember before they leave to watch their team.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... s-22415453
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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