Yesterday, the RFL announced that scrums would not take place in the three Boxing Day fixtures, but the governing body also warned unvaccinated players about the state of play.
An RFL statement read: “The remaining minority of players who have yet to receive any vaccination should be advised that their decisions are having a material impact on all others, and on the nature of the 2022 competitions, given the majority support of players and coaches for the return of scrums if possible – which has been endorsed in the 2021 RFL Supporters’ Survey;
“All players should be encouraged to have a booster jab as soon as possible, both for their own health, that of other players in the competition and for the effective running of the competitions.
“The RFL Board will review the position throughout January, both regarding vaccination rates and the public health position regarding the Omicron variant.”
However, there was one vocal opponent of the measures, with Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont speaking out against the RFL’s position.
Beaumont said: “How can that be the vaccine only protects the individual doesn’t stop the spread and as can be seen by the amount of people with Covid who have been vaccinated it doesn’t stop you getting Covid. Should be a personal choice and clubs should not be asked to influence players!!!”
How can that be the vaccine only protects the individual doesn’t stop the spread and as can be seen by the amount of people with Covid who have been vaccinated it doesn’t stop you getting Covid. Should be a personal choice and clubs should not be asked to influence players!!! https://t.co/IQWWhDCpcf
— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) December 23, 2021
The vaccinated versus unvaccinated debate continues to roar, not just in sport but in society as well, but the RFL is trying all sorts of measures in order t ensure a smooth as possible 2022 season.
