
Championship side Sheffield Eagles have released a statement after the delay of their Challenge Cup clash with the club taking key action.
The 1998 Challenge Cup winners swept aside amateur club West Bowling 62-0, however, kick-off was delayed as a result of a mishap regarding the club’s Mandatory Medical Equipment.
All teams must comply with the RFL over their safety equipment with Mandatory Medical Equipment being one of the key things that clubs must adhere to. Sheffield have revealed that they mistakenly turned up to the game with out-of-date prescription drugs, thus delaying the game.
The Eagles explain within their statement that the prescription drugs had been “identified for replacement ahead of the season and ordered”, however, they had not been received which was overlooked and therefore led to the issue.
Sheffield have also confirmed that they will cooperate with any RFL investigation whilst also explaining that discussions have been had internally on how to avoid such issues in the future.
They have also apologised to both sets of fans and the West Bowling players and staff with all who were at the Olympic Legacy Park having to wait in the cold and wet conditions.
Late last year, Sheffield saw head coach Mark Aston and the club’s physio suspended over a breach of RFL rules for selecting a player who had not gone through the full HIA process for the Eagles’ Challenge Cup tie against Wigan Warriors.
The club statement regarding Sunday’s issue can be seen below.
Sheffield Eagles explain Challenge Cup delay with RFL rules breached
Sheffield Eagles posted: “Sheffield Eagles would like to apologise to West Bowling ARFLC and fans of both clubs for the delayed kick off of our Betfred Challenge Cup Round 2 Fixture yesterday.
“The reason for the delay was due to one item of prescription drugs in the Mandatory Medical Equipment being out of date. The item had been identified for replacement ahead of the season and ordered, however it had not been received and those responsible at the club did not pick up on this.
“The RFL delegate at the game was very accommodating in the situation and worked with the club on identifying solutions, which included the club doctor visiting the Northern General to try and obtain a replacement, whilst our first aid partner Mediqas Group, also dispatched a replacement to the stadium.
“Whilst the items were received within the hour’s grace afforded to us by the RFL’s Operational Rules, we realise that the cold and wet weather impacted significantly on fans of both sides who had to wait as well as the players of both sides whose preparations were also affected.
“We will co-operate fully with any RFL investigation and subsequent disciplinary action should this arise.
“Overnight the club’s board has asked management to provide an updated process to be written, reviewed and approved to ensure that this does not happen again. Similarly, the board has also asked for an updated communications policy in the event of delayed kick-offs to be written to ensure that both fans attending and following the game via digital media channels are kept informed of issues should they arise.”
Serious About Rugby League have contacted the RFL for comment.
