Rugby League World Cup officially postponed until 2022

Australia and New Zealand both elected to withdraw from this year’s Rugby League World Cup, and now organisers have pulled the plug.

The Rugby League World Cup has officially been postponed until 2022. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)

Australian Rugby League chair Peter V’landys has defended his decision not to send Australia to the Rugby League World Cup, and took a thinly veiled swipe at event organisers.

The Rugby League World Cup was officially postponed until 2022 earlier today, which became almost a formality from the moment Australia and New Zealand both elected to withdraw from the tournament.

The World Cup was set to be held in the United Kingdom from October 23 to November 27.

Australia will now defend their Rugby League World Cup title in 2022. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)

V’landys maintains he made the correct call in pulling Australia from the tournament, and fired a parting shot to organisers.

“We made the right decision not to go based on the wellbeing of our players,” V’landys told ABC Sport.

“I think they (event organisers) still thought we were convicts to the colony.

“We are a sovereign nation and a sovereign organisation.

“I thought we were still in prisoner outfits.”

There had been discussions among NRL players and officials regarding the prospect of Indigenous and Maori representative teams to take the place of their respective nations, but that looks to be dead in the water with the official news.

Rugby League World Cup chief Jon Dutton said it was a disappointing call to make, but one that had to be done to prioritise the welfare of all involved.

“Today is a challenging moment for everyone involved in Rugby League, but most importantly the players and fans of the competing nations,” Dutton said.

“Ultimately, time and competing priorities from others forced us to make the most difficult decision in our six-year history.

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup was also held in England. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

“However, we and the sport of Rugby League are resilient, and next year we will deliver our vision of the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup ever.

“The wellbeing of all those involved in the tournament, particularly players and team officials, has been our priority.

“I would like to thank the RLWC2021 Board and my team for the relentless hard work and extraordinary measures that had been undertaken to create a safe and secure environment in line with other major sports events that have been successfully hosted in the UK this year.”

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, who was at the helm for England during their 2017 World Cup campaign, backed the decision to push the tournament into 2022.

“If it is next year and they all buy into it, I am happy for that,” Bennett said.

“I think we have seen how great the Olympics have been and it was put back nine months, so we all know we can do that if that is what we are going to do.

Wayne Bennett led England to a second-place finish at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. (AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)

“The important thing is that they play the World Cup.

“Whether they actually play in 2021 or 2022, I am flexible on that personally, but I would like to see the World Cup played.”

The Australia Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) pulled out on July 23 amid growing concerns for player welfare.

“In the current environment, the risks to the safety, health and wellbeing of the players and officials travelling from Australia to participate in the tournament this year are insurmountable,” ARLC chair Peter V’landys said.

Tournament organisers are yet to lock in a new date, but confirmed existing ticket holders will receive further information on ticket transfers and refunds no later than August 12.