The RFL board have delayed a decision on promotion and relegation again.
RFL chairman Simon Johnson was expected to confirm the decision in an address to clubs on Monday afternoon, but instead said they would make a decision on July 23rd at the latest.
The decision to null and void the Championship and League 1 seasons was also deferred, with the governing body also putting the same cut-off date on that decision.
The board approved a number of law changes including the suspension of scrums and the introduction of the “Six Again” rule recently implemented in the NRL.
Other changes made included:
- A simplification of the overseas quota rules
- A suspension of the reserves league in 2021 with the Academy league going the Under 19’s
Simon Johnson, the RFL Chair, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has presented all sports with immense challenges. We continue to work through these challenges in Rugby League, and our approach throughout has been to consider the interests of all our member clubs, and of the game as a whole. That is why we have been keen to communicate and consult as often as possible – and that consultation has revealed a wide range of opinions.
“After our meeting today, we are confirming some significant changes to the way the game will be played on the field when Rugby League resumes next month – which we believe are important and necessary to prioritise the welfare of players, and the success of the season when it resumes.
“We recognise that further important decisions are necessary in terms of the tiers below Super League, and promotion and relegation – and that there is urgency in making these decisions, which is why we have set some firm deadlines to ensure clarity well before the resumption of the Betfred Super League season on August 2.”
