Fans permitted to return from May

James Gordon

15th March 2020, The Mend-A-Hose Jungle, Castleford, England; Betfred Super League, Castleford Tigers v Saint Helens :St. Helens fans.

Rugby league clubs will be able to welcome back fans in to stadiums from May 17.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the news as part of his roadmap for England’s move out of lockdown.

During the speech, he said that stadiums below 40,000 capacity will be able to hold 4,000 fans or half their full capacity, whichever is lower.

For more than 40,000 – which would impact the Challenge Cup final, Magic Weekend and Grand Final subject to the restrictions changing – a limit of 10,000 will be imposed.

As ever, rules and regulations remain subject to change.

It means that all 11 English Super League clubs will be able to welcome 4,000 fans back to stadia.

In the Championship, Featherstone, Halifax, Newcastle, Sheffield, Widnes and York will be able to hit the maximum 4,000 figure, while London may be added to that list once they confirm their home venue.

The other clubs will be restricted to 50% of their capacity, though full details are as yet unconfirmed.

The new season will get underway next month behind closed doors.

No fans have attended a rugby league game in the UK since March 15, 2020.