WARRINGTON Wolves are set to return to action during the weekend of August 8/9 after Super League announced that the sport’s flagship competition will return on Sunday August 2, with three games live and exclusive on Sky Sports.
After significant and ongoing work prioritising public health and the safety of players, officials and club staff, the season will recommence behind closed doors at a single venue with the following games:
Hull Kingston Rovers v Toronto Wolfpack (1pm KO)
St Helens v Catalans Dragons (4:15pm KO)
Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos (6:30pm KO)
The following weekend (August 8/9) will see all clubs return to action when a full round of Betfred Super League fixtures will take place. Remaining games will be played at “a small number of neutral venues” until government directives change.
During a Super League Board meeting it was decided that the revised season will comprise of a further 15 rounds of action followed by a Top Four semi-final play-off. The winners of the semi-finals will contest the Betfred Super League Grand Final, taking place towards the end of November 2020.
Clubs also considered the impact of finishing the 2020 season almost two months later than scheduled and agreed to kick-off the 2021 season at a later date than the traditional opening weekend of February.
It is also hoped to complete the Challenge Cup but no details have been announced yet.
Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone.”We will continue to follow government advice and work alongside the Rugby Football League, clinical advisors and ground safety personnel to ensure that when that time comes, Super League is ready to welcome back its fans at the first opportunity.
“Whilst the recent government announcements underline increasing optimism, the pandemic remains unpredictable. Our final fixture schedule needs to respond to opportunities that will unfold over the coming weeks and accordingly, full details of fixtures, venues and season structure will be confirmed as they become known.”
Super League has also said it is “closely monitoring government directives in both France and Canada”, with overseas clubs Catalans and Toronto both among the 12 teams in the top flight.
No matches have been played in the competition since March 15.
