Super League: Timing of Toronto Wolfpack visa blow unhelpful

The new fixtures are due to be released tomorrow but there is uncertainty about the Wolfpack's involvement because seven overseas players - including Sonny Bill Williams - are on visas limiting them to six months in the UK. That time limit has been exceeded because of the lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis.

Toronto owner David Argyle suggested this has been a known issue for some time, telling the Daily Mirror: "We have laid this out to Super League and the Rugby Football League and it's an issue that we can't keep kicking down the road."

But a statement from the Super League competition said: “Betfred Super League is obviously concerned by the news it received from Toronto Wolfpack yesterday. The timing is also unhelpful.

“We are looking into the details and have offered the club, and The RFL, our full support to resolve these issues ahead of the season restarting on August 2.”

Toronto were only promoted to the top-flight this season.

The RFL said: "We have been working closely with the relevant authorities to help Toronto Wolfpack with the issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically their inability to play home fixtures in Canada, and the resulting need for their overseas players to stay in England for several more months.

"We are grateful to the government for recognising these issues in recent days - but appreciate the situation remains challenging for the club."