‘Official guidance’ for sporting bodies revealed following question mark over rugby league games

The official guidance for sporting bodies has been revealed with good news for rugby league fans.

Chief sports reporter for The Times, Martyn Ziegler, wrote on Twitter: “official guidance recommends sports bodies consider cancelling events on day of state funeral but no obligation for other days.”

NEW: official guidance recommends sports bodies consider cancelling events on day of state funeral but no obligation for other days pic.twitter.com/XDf7qNnTnF

— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) September 9, 2022

It is potentially good news for rugby league with a Super League play-off on Channel 4 tomorrow set to take place as the Salford Red Devils travel to the Huddersfield Giants.

After contacting the RFL about potential postponements, an RFL spokesman said that they were ‘still awaiting guidance from the authorities’ with a timeframe on that not yet been revealed, though there is a meeting today.

“Following the Queen’s passing yesterday, Chair of the RFL Board, Simon Johnson wrote:

“On behalf of the RFL and the whole Rugby League family, I express our deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The whole sport is in deep mourning at this extremely sad news.

“Rugby League was honoured to have her as our Patron until 2016, and throughout her long reign, Her Majesty’s sense of duty and commitment, her spirit and wisdom has been an example to all of us.

“We give grateful thanks for Her Majesty’s constant and positive influence on our communities over many generations.

“We send our deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences to the Royal Family including the RFL Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.

“Our clubs and players at all levels will display their respect to Her Majesty wherever Rugby League is played in the coming days.”

Meanwhile, Leeds’ clash against Catalans Dragons will take place tonight as normal with black armbands and a minutes silence taking place prior to kick-off.

The Rhinos jetted off this morning from Leeds-Bradford airport in order to get to the south of France.