Toronto Wolfpack have confirmed they have withdrawn from the 2020 Super League season.
The club have suffered severely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with several factors affecting the club both financially and logistically.
Last week the Wolfpack confirmed they would be unable to play home games at their Lamport Stadium in Canada, while there has been ongoing speculation in relation to player wages and availability.
They have now officially taken the decision, however, to not take part in the remainder of the season.
In a statement, the club said: “The Covid pandemic has presented unexpected and overwhelming financial challenges to the Wolfpack organisation. Greatly reduced ticket, sponsorship, merchandise and game day revenue streams have resulted from the loss of all 11 of the team’s home Super League games in Toronto.
“The Wolfpack would be left covering significant additional costs simply to complete a season of games in the UK including Covid testing, stadium rentals, medical costs and player pay increases to align with the rest of the league.
“Player and staff payroll, an issue of recent media attention, has been guaranteed by Wolfpack majority owner David Argyle and is secured by a personal guarantee to the RFL.”
While the Wolfpack won’t participate in Super League again this season, they have confirmed their intent to field a side in the 2021 competition.
However, Super League and the RFL have responded, saying they will consider the club’s future in the league as well as a possible sanction for their decision.
They said in a statement:”Betfred Super League and the RFL are very disappointed to learn that Toronto Wolfpack will not be able to fulfil their obligations to Super League 2020.
“Super League Europe and The RFL have been in regular dialogue with the Wolfpack over the past weeks and months regarding the club’s ability to take part in the competition and firm assurances had been received as recently as last Thursday, 16 July.
“A discussion around the longer term consequences and the future of the Wolfpack in Super League will commence shortly.”
