Rugby League has developed TACKLE IT – our game’s own anti-racism, anti-discrimination action plan. The plan sets out how Rugby League will extend its reach and appeal, diversify its talent pool, improve its culture, and actively deal with all forms of discrimination with a specific focus on areas in need of most attention at this time – racial discrimination and inequality.

Upon Super League resumption last August, a 13-second period ahead of kick-off was created during which players, match officials, coaches and administrators could demonstrate their solidarity with the core BLM anti-racism message in their own way. As with other sports, the approach was player-led and varied among teams and players alike.

As demonstrated by the whole-game approach to developing the TACKLE IT action plan and the setting up of a new Inclusion Board, there is widespread support for building on last season. This includes having the same 13-second window at all league and cup games (Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair RL).

In common with other sports, match officials will ask teams to line up on the 20m line facing their own dug outs either side of the halfway line. As with last season, it will be entirely up to players themselves how they choose to approach this 13-second window. It is important that this is player-led, and for players to be informed, respected and comfortable.

Head Coach Jermaine Coleman and his players will be discussing the 13-second window over the coming weeks, to create a club wide response in support of the campaign.