Australia, New Zealand withdraw from Rugby League World Cup

New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams handles the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool B game at Oita Stadium between New Zealand and Canada in Oita, Japan Oct. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Australia and New Zealand have withdrawn from the Rugby League World Cup scheduled to start in October in England, citing player welfare and safety concerns.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the Australian Rugby League Commission and NZRL suggested that the tournament be postponed until 2022 to avoid the risk of a player catching COVID-19.

In England, the announcement was immediately criticized by Rugby Football League chairman Simon Johnson, who called it “ selfish, parochial and cowardly.”

Last week, tournament officials said the event would go ahead with or without defending champions Australia.

“Not participating in this year's World Cup is not a decision the commission has taken lightly, but we must put the best interests of our players and officials first. Protecting them is our absolute priority,” ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said.

“In the current environment, the risks to the safety, health and well-being of the players and officials travelling from Australia to participate in the tournament this year are insurmountable.”

The Rugby League World Cup is scheduled to begin on Oct. 23 and the final is scheduled for Nov. 27.

The tournament said in a statement that the withdrawals “may have wide ranging implications for international Rugby League. RLWC2021 were informed at very short notice and will continue discussions with all stakeholders to agree on the best way forward.”

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