Coronavirus could cost rugby league £20m, says Wakefield boss Michael Carter

Drew Darbyshire

Wakefield chairman Michael Carter thinks the game could lose up to £20million due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Super League season has been suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 crisis that has swept the nation, with a return date yet to be announced.

And while rugby league has never been a cash-rich sport, Carter believes the sport is currently in its tough period.

Carter tweeted: “This is the biggest threat ever to the sport.

“Conservatively, I think we are looking at an immediate £20million loss to the game and (we) need to save costs.”

There has been plenty of discussion in recent times whether the Rugby Football League and Super League should reform as one governing body to cut costs – but Carter has urged everyone to remain patient and not get ahead of themselves during these tough times.

Carter added: “Two types of people in this country – those, once armed with considerable hindsight, who seek to look back to find someone to blame.

“And those who pick up a set of circumstances and find a way to resolve the problem. Rugby league in a nutshell.”

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