Quote Wigan Bull="Wigan Bull"Is there really a rule stating this!? '"
I don't specifically know, and I can't be arrsed looking it up. I was commenting on the basis that once a fixture is fixed, it must be fulfilled. Clubs can't postpone a fixture, without a special dispensation from the RFL so that must be right.
Quote Wigan Bull="Wigan Bull"I wouldn't have thought an Aussie side coming over and playing a warm up would have been considered!'"
Well, obviously not, but that's exactly what happened.
Edit:
I have been sufficiently arrsed to have a quick scan of the Operational Rules and found these provisions, in addition to the well know "play next Wednesday" rule:
B1:18 If a Match cannot go ahead as scheduled or in the case of a further postponement or in
the case of a dispute, the Board will decide when and where the Match will be played.
The next bit confrims what I claimed:
Quote Wigan BullB1:19 Any Club refusing to play on the published date unless the Inspector or appointed referee
has stated that the ground is unfit for play shall be guilty of Misconduct and shall be
punishable by way of fine or otherwise pursuant to Section D1 of these Operational
Rules. The Board shall decide whether the Club refusing to play shall forfeit the Match or
whether the Match shall be replayed, and if it is to be replayed the Board shall determine
the venue, date and kick off.'"
Quote Wigan BullMATCHES
B3:10 Any Club failing to fulfil a Match on the scheduled date, for any reason which the Board
considers unsatisfactory, shall be guilty of misconduct.
B3:11 Cup Ties shall take precedence over League Matches and the latter must be postponed if
the Board so directs.'"
Quote Wigan BullB7:45 When a match is postponed for a valid reason or by mutual consent a new date must
be agreed and confirmed to the RFL within 7 days of the postponement. Failure to
rearrange the fixture within this time will be referred to Compliance'"
I can't find anything which specifically gives the RFL the power to postpone the fixture like they did, but presumably on the basis that they make the fixtures and they make the rules, they can do what they like.