Eagles cut no slack on tie by RFL chiefs

RUGBY League bosses in England are refusing to show flexibility in allowing Scottish champions Edinburgh Eagles to re-arrange their preliminary round Carnegie Challenge Cup tie around a Scotland fixture.

On Sunday week Eagles could provide four players for Scotland against England Knights at Meggetland in a match under RFL auspices. However, that won’t excuse Eagles a cup tie that weekend, a situation that has forced them to withdraw.

The RFL’s statement will be regarded by many as more of a shield and certainly offers no explanation.

“It is unfortunate that the necessary switch of qualifying dates to move the Challenge Cup fully in line with the new Rugby League playing calendar has meant that we have had to implement a different timetable this year for community clubs wishing to take part. We are still in the first season of major change and making this adjustment now should make the position more straightforward for all community clubs operating on the summer calendar,” said the statement.