Rugby League World Cup in more doubt as clubs back Australia and New Zealand withdrawal

The tournament, which is due to see Ireland also play Jamaica and Lebanon in October is being described as having a 50-50 chance of going ahead

A general view of the match in play during the Betfred Super League match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington.

Prospects of the 2021 World Cup going ahead in the autumn receded further on Friday when the 16 NRL clubs threw their weight behind the decision of Australia and Ireland's group opponents New Zealand to pull out.

The tournament, which is due to see Ireland also play Jamaica and Lebanon in October is being described by competition chief executive Jon Dutton as having a 50-50 chance of going ahead on schedule. Dutton hoped to win over the players by speaking directly to them in an attempt to allay any fears, he said.