NRL call off 2018 Auckland Nines

The NRL have suspended the 2018 Auckland Nines in order to allow players a sufficient resting period following the 2017 World Cup.

Despite lower attendances at this year’s competition, the NRL’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Abdo insists the concept has a long term future in both Australia and New Zealand.

With the Rugby League World Cup running until 2 December, the NRL, ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development) and Duco Events all agreed the competition was not viable in early 2018.

Elite players will now be given longer to rest with the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars game also suspended until 2019.

“There is every chance the NRL Nines will be held in Australia when it returns to the Rugby League calendar and the NRL will seek expressions of interest from various cities,” said Abdo.

“Auckland has been a fantastic host of the event and there is a strong likelihood that the event will return to New Zealand in the future rotation.”