Championship clubs identify beginning of March as potential start date for 2021 season

An informal survey of clubs in the second tier found that there was a desire to return at the beginning of March or possibly earlier.

There had been hopes of beginning the season in December with 1895 Cup fixtures but the Government’s decision to postpone the return of crowds to sporting events put paid to those plans.

Government advice currently states that no fans will be allowed to return to stadia until April and although the likes of Featherstone Rovers, Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams are reliant on matchday revenue, there is a consensus to return well before that.

Further discussions will be held at a Championship and League 1 forum next month.

The RFL is working closely with clubs to ensure that they can return to train safely, and in due course play matches.

The RFL say they are liaising with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and other sports regarding a roadmap for an earlier return to first socially distanced and limited crowds, safely building to increased crowds, and has forwarded a proposal for this to DCMS. Individual clubs are also having similar dialogue with their local MPs and local authorities.

Simon Johnson, the RFL Chair, said: “As we reflect on the Coral Challenge Cup Final, it is important that we continue to work with the clubs outside the Betfred Super League who have now gone almost seven months without any form of competitive action.

“The recent announcement that spectators would not be permitted to return to sport was a blow to these clubs, as it was to those in the Betfred Super League, as the return of spectators was key to the plans for the resumption of the Betfred Championship and League 1 competitions as soon as possible this winter.

“However the mood among those clubs is that they must continue to work towards a return as soon as possible. The players and coaches are desperate to get back - as are their supporters.

“At the moment, we are led to believe crowds will not return until April.

“But as we have seen, these things can change – and with the Our League app, we do have the ability to provide coverage of matches direct to supporters even when crowds are not permitted in the grounds.”

There is a debate set to be held in parliament on November 9 regarding the return of fans to elite sporting events after almost 200,000 people signed a petition. The debate will take place in Westminster Hall with a member of the DCMS in attendance.

“It is difficult to come up with firm fixture plans given that ongoing uncertainty, but we want to give our clubs and supporters an idea of what might be possible in 2021,” Johnson added.

“We of course face challenges, but the mood at the recent meeting was one of defiance and also excitement at the prospect of their 2021 return.

“Our role to work with the clubs and ensure that these competitions are rolled out as quickly as is feasible and we are well aware of activity which is already being planned.

“The RFL remains at the forefront of demonstrating to DCMS and health partners that sports are well prepared for the introduction of socially distanced crowds in well-managed outdoor environments, now that indoor arts and cultural events are underway.”