RLEF PLAN WOMEN’S AND WHEELCHAIR COMPETITIONS BUT DELAY MEA CHAMPIONSHIP

4 Feb 2021

Following its first meeting of the year, which welcomed new director Luc Lacoste - recently elected president of the French Federation - and general manager David Butler, the Rugby League European Federation board has approved plans to consult the membership on the staging of a 2022 Women’s European Championship and a 2023 Wheelchair European Championship.

However, due to the continued global disruption of Covid-19, a decision to postpone the 2021 Middle East Africa Championship by a year was endorsed. The board also asked the executive to prepare options on how to deliver the planned 2021 Euro B, Euro C and Euro D competitions scheduled for later this year, and will delay until March a decision on staging the 2021 U20’s European Championship in Italy.

Later this month, the RLEF will undertake a governance audit conducted by the Sports Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), and the board approved the terms of reference for its governance working group who will work through those findings.

“There is still much uncertainty as a result of the global pandemic which has, understandably, had a knock-on effect for much of the RLEF’s planning for its 2021,” said chair Maurice Watkins CBE. “We will carefully use our time until safe, approved return to plan for different eventualities to give us a range of options for when it comes to being in a position to make those decisions. We appreciate the patience and full cooperation of our members and are fully supportive of their efforts at this unprecedented time .”

This is the year of the Rugby League World Cup 2021

The Rugby League World Cup is taking place between the 23 October – 27 November this autumn and is the pinnacle of international Rugby League, globally contested every four years. RLWC2021 will be a breakthrough moment in the tournament’s history with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time.

The three tournaments will take place in 21 venues across 18 host towns and cities in England. Both the women’s and wheelchair competitions will be contested by two groups of four teams, whilst the men’s tournament will see 16 teams compete across four groups.

RLWC2021 will be the most visible Rugby League event in history with all 61 games in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being broadcast live on the BBC.

Mission: Delivering the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.

Vision: Creating inspirational moments that excite, engage and leave a long-lasting positive social impact.