Sydney (AFP)
Australia and New Zealand will not participate in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup scheduled in England due to fears "for the health of the players and their safety" linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, announced on Thursday the federations of these two countries.
In a joint statement, the federations of the two first rugby union nations called on the organizers to postpone this competition, still scheduled from October 23 to November 27 in England, until next year.
The decision not to participate was made taking into account the risks of contamination in England, the worsening pandemic in Australia and the time players would need to spend away from home to meet health measures before the start of the season. the competition.
It was badly received by the organizers who confirmed last week that the World Cup would be held on the dates scheduled.
They called the decision of the Australian and New Zealand federations "disappointing" and added that it could have "important consequences for rugby union".
"RLWC2021 has been informed at very short notice and will continue discussions with all participants to agree on the best way forward. A statement will be issued in due course," they said.
"Not taking part in the World Cup was not an easy decision but we must put the best interests of our players and our managers first, protecting them is essential," said Peter V'landys, chairman of the Australian Federation.
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"In the current context, the risks to the safety, health and well-being of our players and officials who will have to leave Australia to participate in the tournament this year are insurmountable," he added.
His New Zealand counterpart Greg Peters also stressed that the withdrawal decision was taken in the best interests of players and officials.
"There are profound differences in the way the pandemic is handled in Britain compared to Oceania and recent developments have illustrated how quickly things can change," he said.
"Tournament organizers have moved heaven and earth to make it happen so it was not an easy decision, but the situation on the UK pandemic front is showing no signs of stopping. 'improvement and it's just too dangerous to send players and management there, ”added Peters.
Defending champions Australia were due to face Fiji in the city of Hull (east) on day one of the competition and New Zealand play against Lebanon in Warrington (west) the next day.
© 2021 AFP