There will be hefty punishments for any clubs involved in cancelling fixtures for COVID-related reasons in 2022, the RFL has confirmed.
Clubs in Super League, Championship and League 1 had previously been advised in 2021 of the decision to introduce a revised framework for 2022 if fixtures could not be fulfilled.
Super League clubs are set to be ordered to forfeit matches, with their opponent given a 48-0 victory, if they are unable to fulfil a fixture because of a Covid outbreak.
In 2021 clubs were able to apply for a cancellation if they had seven or more players unavailable due to the impact of the pandemic, and a total of 21 games were called off, with only the Wigan Warriors playing all of their scheduled games during the season and with only a small amount of the cancelled games actually being rescheduled.
Instead of a 48-0 victory awarded, last season teams were given a 24-0 forfeit with clubs even facing misconduct charges and sanctions as well as possible compensation.
The Rugby Football League plans to hold consultations with clubs over the next two weeks before making a final decision.
The new Super League season starts on 10 February, but the COVID situation in the UK continues to cause increasing problems.
