Stags scuppered by late kick-off time for playoff clash

Hemel Stags have received official confirmation from the Rugby Football League that their Championship One play-off fixture away at Gateshead Thunder on Sunday will take place at 6pm.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th Sep 2014, 11:00 BST

Stags had on Monday made a formal request to the sport’s governing body to play the match anywhere in the north east on Saturday or Sunday at 3pm, but the RFL has upheld the game’s operational rules.

This states that where there is a dispute between the sides, they will decide upon the date and kick-off time of a particular fixture.

Stags accept the RFL’s decision as final, and will now concentrate on preparations for the match, which is to be played at Kingston Park, home of Aviva Rugby Union Premiership club, Newcastle Falcons.