As a nationwide four-week lockdown begins and community game activity is suspended, the Rugby Football League thas unveiled a four-week ‘Virtual RL’ online programme to help players prepare for 2021.

#VirtualRL offers a wide range of skills, fitness and lifestyle activities linking to a weekly ‘Gameday Challenge’. It builds on the popular #SkillToPlay initiative, which during the first Lockdown showcased some of the game’s finest players and helped children and young people to emulate the skills of their heroes.

At the heart of the programme are resources to help young players discover the freedom and confidence to try new ideas and express themselves through ‘free play’. Plus, there are great prizes on offer for the best and funniest videos submitted to the RFL via social media using the #VirtualRL hashtag.

RFL Director of Participation and Development, Marc Lovering, explains:

“It’s great to see our Rugby League stars sharing their skills with the next generation. It’s all part of our commitment to offering programmes and opportunities for people involved in the game at all levels as we wait for the action to restart.

“Community Rugby League activity will be back in the New Year, and the formal competition will return in the Spring as we build up to the Rugby League World Cup. The #VirtualRL programme will help players to hit the ground running.

“In the meantime, it’s as important as ever to make sure we all follow the latest government guidelines. The commitment from people across the community game has been outstanding so far and I am sure that together we can make 2021 a very special year.”

#VirtualRL is freely available here.

During lockdown, the RFL’s Participation and Development team will continue to support community clubs directly with club sustainability work, such as ensuring that clubs can access grant funding and any other support available. Anybody with any questions on grant funding should email National Clubs Manager John McMullen: John.McMullen@rfl.uk.com