Australia have received the Rugby League World Cup on 11 events, whereas New Zealand have lifted the trophy as soon as
Gamers weren’t consulted earlier than Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, a director of the Rugby League Gamers’ Affiliation (RLPA) has mentioned.
“I used to be completely disenchanted [with the decision],” mentioned Christian Welch, a Melbourne Storm and Queensland prop ahead.
“Having had discussions with gamers, they have been actually excited in regards to the alternative to go to England and take part within the World Cup for his or her nation.
“That they had an understanding of the beautiful harsh protocols and quarantine, so it was not going to be probably the most pleasurable journey in comparison with pre-Covid instances, however the majority of gamers have been actually eager to offer it a go – that is what’s so disappointing.
“We had an RLPA board assembly the day earlier than it was introduced and the gamers have been caught off guard as 24 hours later we have been advised the Kiwis and Australians had pulled out.
“The main cause given was participant welfare however the physique that represents the vast majority of gamers was not consulted.”
After the Covid-19 pandemic introduced sports activities leagues around the globe to a halt final yr, Australia’s Nationwide Rugby League (NRL) was one of many first to return to motion in Might 2020.
However Welch felt the NRL ought to have carried out extra to assist the World Cup go forward.
“Probably the most telling factor is how the NRL was capable of come again from Covid and located an incredible manner of state border exemptions however it appears the NRL have simply wished to stop on the World Cup,” added Welch.
“I really feel for the gamers that will’ve dearly beloved to have performed for his or her nation. The sport was actually taking off a couple of years in the past however this has been unlucky for the sport.”
