Rugby League World Cup: Australia and New Zealand pull out of tournament

[tiger76]

The whole event must be in severe doubt now, and even if it does take place, without 2 of the most prominent sides it'll be little more than a shadow eventhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/57925720

[jdrobbo]

Agree.

[Bordeauxclaret]

The worrying thing is why.

[Caballo]

Shocking decision, 3 months before the tournament kicks off. Pressure brought about by NRL clubs who didn't want their 'assets' lost to the Australian quarantine laws on return.

[TheFamilyCat]

It's coming home

[CleggHall]

Club rugby is more important than international rugby in RL, contrast cricket and rugby union where internationals generate the income.

[Peter Loo]

Open your eyes and ears people cases rising in hot weather which it was said the virus would be less likely to do.

Sadly I think a lot more events will be cancelled/curtailed by the time it gets colder, I do hope that is not the case.

[conyoviejo]

This is more to do with the arrogant Aussies wanting their players available for the NRL next season and not having to quarantine them.Absolutely cowardly and Scandalous decision by the Aussie and NZ RL

[burnleypudding]

In part due to NRL parochialism but more about sensible risk assessment re: Covid. UK pandemic management a triumph of optimism over common sense with harsh lockdowns and NHS capacity-stretching inevitable within 3 months.

[CleggHall]

A disastrous narrow decision, will the Ashes go ahead if Australia still operates quarantine regulations?

[cricketfieldclarets]

Open your eyes and ears people cases rising in hot weather which it was said the virus would be less likely to do.

Sadly I think a lot more events will be cancelled/curtailed by the time it gets colder, I do hope that is not the case.

Nothing to do with everyone living an almost normal existence again?

[RammyClaret61]

The main sticking point was if the players would get paid while in quarantine, or would the time come out of the 6 weeks holiday entitlement.

Also they’ve already cancelled the F1 Grand Prix that was scheduled for November.

[claretonthecoast1882]

The main sticking point was if the players would get paid while in quarantine, or would the time come out of the 6 weeks holiday entitlement.

Also they’ve already cancelled the F1 Grand Prix that was scheduled for November.

But quite happy to go to the Olympics

[RammyClaret61]

But quite happy to go to the Olympics

The NRL are virtually broke. They’ve paid millions up on millions to keep their competitions going. NZ Warriors have been in Australia for nearly 2 years now. Melbourne Storm relocated to QLD last season. Only 2 last week they relocated all 16 teams to QLD, 41 players and staff plus family’s. NRL footing the bill. I think it’s a money saving exercise by the NRL using Covid as the excuse.

[dsr]

The NRL are virtually broke. They’ve paid millions up on millions to keep their competitions going. NZ Warriors have been in Australia for nearly 2 years now. Melbourne Storm relocated to QLD last season. Only 2 last week they relocated all 16 teams to QLD, 41 players and staff plus family’s. NRL footing the bill. I think it’s a money saving exercise by the NRL using Covid as the excuse.

I think you're right, and I think they ought to say so. The NZ cricket team managed to get here and play. The Olympic team managed to get to Japan. I dare say there are sound reasons why it's not good for the players, but if they aren't claiming those sound reasons as their reason for not coming, they won't get credit for them.

[claretonthecoast1882]

The NRL are virtually broke. They’ve paid millions up on millions to keep their competitions going. NZ Warriors have been in Australia for nearly 2 years now. Melbourne Storm relocated to QLD last season. Only 2 last week they relocated all 16 teams to QLD, 41 players and staff plus family’s. NRL footing the bill. I think it’s a money saving exercise by the NRL using Covid as the excuse.

Totally agree and it is poor form to use it as an excuse rather than be honest and say the sport is in a mess.

[tiger76]

This decision is causing a storm down under, and the players union isn't happy that their members interests have been ignored.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/57939301

Surely the final call should be down to each individual player whether they deem it safe to travel to England or not.