The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) has scrapped its 2021 premiership season in a bid to focus on preparations for next year’s full calendar.
The new season is expected to start with the FNRL off-season program next month.
As a result of the cancellation, the 2021 Vodafone Cup and the inaugural women’s competitions will not be played.
The FNRL 2021 competition calendar was scheduled to start last April, however it was indefinitely postponed after sporting sanctions were imposed following the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji.
FNRL acting chief executive officer Don Natabe said the cancellation was the right decision for the sake of their stakeholders and rugby league communities at large.
“The FNRL has decided to call off the 2021 season and shift its focus on preparing for the 2022 premiership season,” Natabe said.
“In reaching the decision, the FNRL board considered options to hold the club premiership for both men and women, however the benefits for pursuing a fresh
2022 season outweighed that for holding this year’s competitions.”
The FNRL had set 2021 as the year to inaugurate the women’s club premiership competition, but now that plan will have to be pushed back by one year.
Natabe said the decision was not an easy one, especially for the women in the sport who had looked forward to the inaugural competition this year.
“We understand the disappointment this will cause many boys and girls, men and women, who play in teams and competitions across the six regions.
“Ideally clubs would be commencing their off-season operations during the festive season from November to December, so now this decision will allow them to continue with their programs.
“FNRL plans to immediately deliver education on safe-sports practices and coaching refreshers courses to affiliated organisations before the clubs can resume organised training.
“Together with our partner organisations, the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Fiji New South Wales Rugby League Club, we will work closely across off-season programs commencing November 1.”
