Super League has been given the green light to allow 1,000 fans into four games on September 30th.
Supporters will finally be allowed back on UK terraces as four of the five scheduled games for round 14 action have been approved as pilot events to welcome supporters for the first time in over six months.
Wigan v St Helens, Castleford v Hull FC, Huddersfield v Hull KR and Leeds v Catalans are the games permitted to welcome attendances, though Salford’s game with Warrington has not been selected due to the current rate of cases.
Governing bodies have engaged in lengthy talks with DCMS pleading for crowds to be allowed back in from October, as was the initial plan.
An increase in Covid-19 cases had seen that prospect come into question, which resulted in RFL CEO Ralph Rimmer pleading the case of rugby league clubs desperately in need of revenue.
He has now got his wish and said: “The return of crowds is vital to sports including Rugby League. Pilot events are steps in the right direction, demonstrating that socially distanced crowds can be managed, and we are delighted that Rugby League will add to this learning across the sports sector.
“We continue to work closely with Government, with other sports, and with local authority partners. Betfred Super League clubs have worked exceptionally hard and all are ready to host socially distanced crowds.
“Speaking with the Secretary of State yesterday, I joined other sports CEOs and Chairs to stress that sport is ready and now needs a clear roadmap for the return of at first limited then larger crowds which allows for flexibility where required. Government understands that this is crucial to club finances and to jobs.
“We know the presence of fans in the ground for these four Betfred Super League fixtures will be a major boost to all involved – especially the players, who thrive on the atmosphere provided by Rugby League’s passionate supporters.
“We are also delighted that Sky Sports will be able to televise the first meeting of the season between Wigan and St Helens, with the added bonus of a crowd.”
