Super League teams could be set to forfeit games 48-0 should they be unable to fulfil fixtures due to Covid this season.
A note has been circulated to all top flight, Championship and League 1 clubs by the RFL detailing new rules regarding the non-fulfilment of games for the 2022 season and it seems the governing body could be set to impose heavier penalties.
Clubs were handed a 24-0 defeat last season in the event they were unable to complete a fixture due to Covid, but that walkover margin could be doubled in a significant change.
With isolation rules changing and in an effort to underline the importance of fulfilling every fixture, the forfeit score would be 48-0, which could, of course, prove detrimental to a team’s points difference total.
Cup games will also be forfeited should teams be unable to field a 17-man team in the competition, with the opposing team progressing to the next round, although different rules may apply when it comes to the semi-finals or final.
It's worth saying the new rule changes would not apply if clubs were unable to play a match due to being required to shutdown in keeping with the RFL’s protocols or Public Health England.
In such cases, the RFL would usually order any game to be rescheduled and played at a later date.
All changes are subject to approval by the RFL Board, who will make the final decision in the coming weeks.
“Clubs in Betfred Super League, Championship and League 1 were advised in late 2021, after relevant regulatory meetings, of the intention to introduce a revised framework for 2022 in case of inability to fulfil fixtures, recognising the changing Covid-19 landscape,” a comment from the RFL read.
“That remains the intention, although as with the situation regarding scrums, it will remain under review through January before the start of the league season.”
