RLPA director and Melbourne Storm prop Christian Welch has revealed to the BBC that players were not consulted before the ARLC and NZRL announced that both the Australian and Kiwi teams would not be participating in the World Cup at season’s end.

The Queensland forward said players were “caught off guard” by the announcement.

“I was thoroughly disappointed,” said Welch.

“Having had discussions with players, they were really excited about the opportunity to go to England and participate in the World Cup for their nation.

“They had an understanding of the pretty harsh protocols and quarantine, so it was not going to be the most enjoyable trip compared to pre-Covid times, but the majority of players were really keen to give it a go .. that’s what’s so disappointing.

“We had an RLPA board meeting the day before it was announced and the players were caught off guard as 24 hours later we were told the Kiwis and Australians had pulled out. The major reason given was player welfare but the body that represents the majority of players was not consulted.”

Welch also made an example of the NRL’s desperation to keep their season alive but had no interest in supporting the international game.