RFL working with Government to resolve Toronto visa issues
5th March 2020, Emerald Headingley, Leeds, England; Betfred Super League, Leeds Rhinos v Toronto Wolfpack : Josh McCrone (C) of Toronto Wolfpack celebrates scoring a try against Leeds Rhinos.
The RFL is working with authorities to resolve visa issues that could prevent Toronto Wolfpack completing the 2020 Super League season.
A report in The Mirror revealed that seven overseas players would not be permitted to remain in the UK for the rest of the campaign, as per the conditions of their visas.
This has been due to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the Wolfpack to remain in the UK throughout, whereas they should have been travelling to Canada to play home games.
An RFL statement said: “We have been working closely with the relevant authorities to help Toronto Wolfpack with the issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically their inability to play home fixtures in Canada, and the resulting need for their overseas players to stay in England for several more months.
“We are grateful to the Government for recognising these issues in recent days – but appreciate the situation remains challenging for the club.”
It’s not the first time that the Wolfpack have had visa troubles – Australian forward Darcy Lussick was denied re-entry to the UK midway through the season.
Toronto are due to face Hull KR on Sunday August 2 to mark the re-start of the Super League season.
The fixture list for the revised campaign us now expected to be released on Thursday afternoon, following several delays.