Rugby league fans set to return in limited capacity in May

RUGBY LEAGUE fans could be back in stadiums across Super League and the Championship from May 17.
Rugby league fans will be able to return from May 17. Picture: Alex Broadway\SWpix.com.Rugby league fans will be able to return from May 17. Picture: Alex Broadway\SWpix.com.
Rugby league fans will be able to return from May 17. Picture: Alex Broadway\SWpix.com.

As part of the Government's strategy to ease lockdown restrictions, supporters can filter through the turnstiles at a limited capacity again in May.

Up to 10,000 people or 25 per cent of total seated capacity, whichever is lower, will be allowed to return. Championship clubs kick off their 2021 campaigns with first-round Challenge Cup ties next month while Super League gets underway on March 26.

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From June 21, there are plans to remove all legal limits on social contact meaning stadia could be full once again.

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 21/02/2020 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League - Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity - the Mend A Hose Jungle, Castleford, England - Castleford's fans celebrate thier side's victory over Wakefield.Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 21/02/2020 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League - Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity - the Mend A Hose Jungle, Castleford, England - Castleford's fans celebrate thier side's victory over Wakefield.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 21/02/2020 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League - Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity - the Mend A Hose Jungle, Castleford, England - Castleford's fans celebrate thier side's victory over Wakefield.

Announcing the news on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "The turnstiles of our sports stadia will once again rotate."

The Rugby Football League welcomed the news, after the absence of fans caused the Championship season to be curtailed while the Super League campaign concluded behind closed doors.

A statement from the governing body read: "The RFL welcomes today's announcement that limited crowds will be permitted to return for professional competitions from May 17.

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"With the domestic rugby league season scheduled to start at various levels between March and May, and a number of major events later in the year including the Betfred Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in July, and the Men's and Women's Super League Grand Finals in October at Old Trafford and Emerald Headingley respectively, and the Men's, Women's and Wheelchair Rugby League World Cups in the autumn, we will continue discussions with the Government about the details behind these announcements, and the inclusion of rugby league events in the Government's planned pilot schemes this spring."