Ralph Rimmer reveals COVID almost stopped one side playing in the Challenge Cup final

There have been times in the past 18 months where the sport of rugby league has had to cling on by its coattails in the hope that it will get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, in an extremely honest interview on The Last Tackle podcast, chief executive of the RFL, Ralph Rimmer, has revealed the troubles that the sport has faced during this time.

“It’s been hugely tough for everyone – the athletes, administrators and support staff the fans and commercial partners,” Rimmer said.

“This period of our rugby league life has tested the sport more than anything but more so, with us, it’s brought us together closer than any other sport.”

Rimmer also revealed the stress of actually getting games to go ahead, with 17 Super League fixtures cancelled in 2021.

“What you don’t see is what happens behind the scenes week in week out with COVID protocols and positive COVID tests and the struggles in getting 17 people out on the field.

“That is stressful Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until they get out onto the field and then it starts again the week after.”

That has meant that the sport has had to make tough choices, with one particular showpiece event almost getting ruined.

“We have to, as a governing body, make hard decisions fast which doesn’t please a lot of people, but that’s how you get through to the following weekend.

“You have to look after the integrity of the competitions; I can remember in particular the Challenge Cup final last year up until midday that day we weren’t sure that both teams would walk out onto the park.”