Positivity the mood for rugby league in 2022

Positivity has to be the mood for rugby league this year, according to Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer.

The RFL boss has sent an open letter to all followers of the sport; which highlights the importance of togetherness this year more than any other.

In a positive New Year’s address, Rimmer says he is excited for a number of things in 2022 – including the World Cup, major finals and the proposed re-alignment with Super League.

On the re-alignment, Rimmer said: “For several months, that new mood of co-operation has allowed one working group to focus on governance and re-alignment; and another to look ahead and plan more strategically for the future.

“Those discussions between Super League Europe and the Rugby Football League remain complex and sensitive; and have required a huge amount of work, as well as significant give and take on all sides.

“We are not over the line yet, but we are close. With everyone involved working towards some exciting announcements in the coming weeks and months that should put this sport on a completely new trajectory. Ken Davy and his colleagues should be given great credit for their continued approach to these discussions.

“And that has to be the mood for Rugby League in 2022 – positivity.”

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Rimmer is also looking forward to welcoming newcomers Cornwall RLFC into League 1; as well as the opportunity to work with Premier Sports and Channel 4 whilst continuing their relationship with Sky and the BBC.

He added: “I hope you’re as enthused as me about the prospects for 2022, from Cornwall to Newcastle; and not forgetting all three Cumbrian clubs in the Betfred Championship.

“We’ll have Monday Night Rugby League on Premier Sports; meaning regular broadcast exposure for the clubs and players of the Championship who add so much strength in depth to the sport.

“We’ll have Saturday afternoon Super League on Channel 4, providing the first regular live terrestrial coverage of the competition.

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“But we won’t ever take for granted the loyalty and quality of support we have received, through the difficult pandemic period and for the decades before that. From Sky Sports and the BBC – who will each broadcast dozens of live matches in 2022, as a result of the extension of Sky’s partnership with the Betfred Super League; and the BBC’s unprecedented commitment to the World Cup.

“We should also recognise the support we continue to receive from Government. Again, our relationships in the corridors of power are the strongest I’ve experienced in my three decades in rugby league.”

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