Rugby League Ipswich have announced they will stage two shortened competitions for juniors and seniors in 2020.
After initially calling off both the senior and junior seasons last month due to the ongoing situation surround COVID-19; the League will now run two 10-week competitions, with the seniors to also play in a grand final.
The decision to provide the two competitions comes following the recent easing of restrictions by the Queensland Government and thanks to the investment made by the ARLC, Queensland Rugby League, South East Region and Rugby League Ipswich who are investing to help reduce the costs to clubs by assisting with operational costs and insurance.
QRL Return to Play information
“I commend the effort being put in by club volunteers to comply with the requirements in order to get these competitions off the ground to allow their players to take part,” South East Queensland region chairman Brad Tallon said.
“It’s great to see all levels of the game working together to put leagues, clubs and players in a position to play some rugby league this year.”
Rugby League Ipswich are also being supported in their decision to host games by the Ipswich Rugby League Referees Association, who are assisting by reducing the costs of match officials to help clubs play some football in 2020.
The League’s senior clubs that will be returning for the shortened competition are: Goodna Eagles, Norths Tigers, Swifts Bluebirds and West End Bulldogs.
Permits are now available for players from clubs who are not participating this year to play for another club within Ipswich in this new competition for this year only, which will help clubs that choose not to return in 2020 to retain their players for the 2021 season.
The junior competition will cater for under 6 to under 17 year-old-players with the clubs participating in the shortened 10-week round of fixtures as follows: Goodna Eagles, Northern Suburbs Tigers, Redbank Plains Bears, Swifts Bluebirds and West End Bulldogs.
These five clubs are recruiting now and can be contacted directly by new or existing registered players in 2020 requesting a portability permit from their existing club.
Tallon also thanked Rugby League Ipswich chairman Gary Parker, the board and league staff for the work they have put in behind the scenes to offer the opportunity for players to take part in competition this year.
“They have all worked hard under difficult and changing circumstances to get this fantastic outcome for local Ipswich players,” Tallon said.
Important Dates:
Rugby League Ipswich Seniors
Round 1: weekend August 1-2, 2020
Competition structure: 10 rounds with grand final on the weekend of October 17-18, 2020
Rugby League Ipswich Juniors
Round 1: weekend of August 1-2
Competition structure: 10 round fixture season only
Rugby League Ipswich have thanked their volunteers, players and wider rugby league community for supporting them through this difficult and challenging time. If you would like to get involved and volunteer for Rugby League Ipswich or your local club, get in touch at ipswich@qrl.com.au.