Officials accept defeat as Rugby League World Cup set to be postponed until 2022

The Rugby League World Cup trophy, pictured in Newcastle – the city which will stage the opening game of the tournament. Picture: Simon Wilkinson/PA

The 2021 Rugby League World Cup will be postponed until 2022 after embattled officials finally conceded defeat in their bid to stage the tournament as planned in the autumn, the PA news agency understands.

Officials initially vowed to press ahead regardless after Australia and New Zealand pulled out, citing safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, and had hoped a direct plea to players would be enough to keep the tournament alive.