Organisers of the 2021 rugby league World Cup are exploring the options of laying on charter flights from Australia to ensure the tournament goes ahead as planned in England this autumn.
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Officials have yet to make a final call on how to proceed but, as the COVID-19 vaccination program continues to sweep across the country, there is growing optimism for the tournament due to be held from October 23 to November 27.
With at least half the players from the 16 nations due to arrive from the southern hemisphere, travel restrictions remain a concern but International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant says he was encouraged by his meeting with World Cup officials this week.
"The local organising committee are very mindful of what every sporting organisation faces, which are the continual moving pandemic challenges," Grant said.
"Every logistical challenge for player and official welfare and protection is being made and provisions put in place.
"We appreciate the support of the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association) and member nations who understand the value of the World Cup and the opportunity once every four years for these players get to represent their nation of birth or nation of heritage.
"Rugby League World Cup is dealing directly with governments and the Australian and UK Prime Ministers spoke about the World Cup this week.
It is thought a number of countries have yet to sign participation agreements and NRL clubs are said to remain nervous about releasing their players but organisers are working on ways to allay their fears.
It is thought more than 400 players and officials based in the southern hemisphere are likely to be offered chartered flights for the return trip to England to avoid mixing with the general public, although as things stand, they will be required to complete a two-week quarantine on their return.
Teams are expected to be given more leeway by naming squads of up to 30 players instead of 24.
There are no plans to make vaccinations compulsory and it is expected that any player who feels uncomfortable about the situation will not be prevented from the leaving the tournament.
Organisers have contingency plans to play matches in front of reduced crowds but the Government's plans to remove all restrictions by July 19 have given rise to more optimism for the prospect of full houses.
On the day it was advised the Tokyo Olympic Games should be held behind closed doors, the World Cup organisers' option of postponing the tournament to 2022, which is the worst-case scenario, appears to be fast receding.
Australian Associated Press
