London Broncos handed points deduction after refusing to play Toulouse

Josh McAllister 21 Jul 2021 3:05 PM

London Broncos have been deducted two competition points for failing to fulfil their Betfred Championship away fixture with Toulouse in April.

The Rugby Football League says the Broncos have accepted the sanction and have also agreed to make a financial contribution to offset the expenses Toulouse incurred as a result of the cancellation.

The majority of Championship clubs were excused from having to travel to France because the Rugby Football League felt the need to quarantine for up to 10 days on their return to the UK would have been unfair on part-time players.

As a full-time club, the Broncos were not included in the ruling but they opted to pull out of the fixture, arguing they should not be expected to go to Toulouse while travel restrictions were in place.

The club were ordered by the RFL to forfeit the points and were referred to its compliance department for alleged off-field misconduct.

A statement from the governing body said: “The RFL’s position is that fulfilling fixtures is integral to the successful operating of any sport, particularly professional sport.

“The RFL board had previously determined that part-time UK based Championship clubs would not be required to travel to France to fulfil fixtures whilst there was a requirement to quarantine on their return.

“Given that trips to and from France would be by same day charter plane with the Toulouse ground being operated in accordance with the Covid-19 Protocols, the RFL Board decision was purely based on the requirement to quarantine on return to the UK, not the respective public health positions.

“This was consistent with the approach taken in relation to Super League and matches involving Catalans Dragons.

“The RFL welcomes the decision of the London Broncos to accept a sanction in order to allow all parties to move forward amicably.”

The points deduction means London drop a place from fifth in the table. Their scheduled home game against Widnes on Sunday has been cancelled due to a Covid outbreak in their camp.