ALL 16 NRL premiership clubs have supported the decision made by the Australian Rugby League Commission and New Zealand Rugby League to not participate in a 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Canberra Raiders chief executive Don Furner, speaking on behalf of club CEOs, said clubs supported players attending a world cup but not at the risk of their health and wellbeing.

The 16 clubs have unanimously agreed that out of the best interests of player health, safety and wellbeing, that the world cup not proceed in 2021, and instead are supporting for it to be delayed until 2022.

The support not to play is based on the high COVID-19 infection rate in the United Kingdom and onerous biosecurity and quarantine protocols that would be placed on all players having just completed a lengthy period away from home during the NRL premiership.

“We all want to see a strong, safe and successful Rugby League World Cup. It’s clear that cannot be achieved in 2021, but we are in strong support for the tournament to be held in 2022,’’ Mr Furner said.

“We want the players to come home healthy. There are two massive challenges here, the UK infection rate is increasing, with the two countries being at different stages of vaccination levels and approach to dealing with the virus.

“Secondly there are several unknowns in terms of the process and protocols for players who may get exposed to COVID-19 locations and how that may disrupt the tournament, and safe passage home for players without significant risk in terms of isolation and quarantine requirements.”

South Sydney Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly, also speaking on behalf of club CEOs, said a 2022 world cup provided a better platform for players and fans.

“We all support our players reaching the pinnacle of representative football, be it all stars, state or country. We’re proud of our players representing their nation, we continue to meet our obligations to players when they are on representative duty, but we also need to be sure they will remain healthy when they do,’’ he said.