Australia’s National Rugby League restarts its 2020 season today, in what is being seen as a triumph for Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys. V’landys pushed “Project Apollo”, the league’s working group to restart play after the Covid-19 interruption, through obstacles including public criticism for being too ambitious, the departure of the league’s chief executive, and threats of industrial action by referees – The Guardian
Japanese football’s J.League is planning to resume its 2020 season on June 27 or July 4. The league is considering dividing into eastern and western divisions to reduce travel – Kyodo News
Thomas Bach yesterday consulted with the 100 International Olympic Committee members about how to handle consequences of Covid-19, ahead of an upcoming executive board meeting – Straits Times/AFP
New Zealand Cricket is to cut up to 15 per cent of its staff as part of attempts to save NZ$6m (€3.4m/$3.7m) amid the Covid-19 downturn – Straits Times/Reuters
World Rugby has rejected a plan for a national team tournament in the UK and Ireland next year, that had been proposed by former English RFU chief Francis Baron – Channel News Asia/Reuters
The dates and venues for India’s cricket tour of Australia later this year have been reported by The Australian newspaper. Sydney Cricket Ground, Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Adelaide Oval and the Gabba in Brisbane are reported to have been selected, meaning the city of Perth misses out on hosting a match – The Australian, Fox Sports
Shashank Manohar is to step down as International Cricket Council chairman after his term ends this year – Hindustan Times
The outstanding Tokyo 2020 women’s football qualifying match between China and South Korea has been moved to February 19 and 24, 2021, after postponement due to Covid-19 – Xinhua
The FIA has approved Formula One cost-cutting plans that include a $145m budget cap from next year – Channel News Asia/Reuters
The Iron Hammer, a documentary film based on the life of legendary Chinese women’s volleyball player Lang Ping, is premiering online on June 7 as part of the Tribeca Enterprises “We Are One” film festival. It will be carried on the Olympic Channel later this year. Lang captained the Chinese national team to gold at the 1984 Olympics, and is coach of the current team – Olympic Channel
Construction of the “Ice Jar” ice skating training facility in Beijing, one of the venues for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, has been completed – Xinhua
The England v Australia rugby league Ashes series scheduled in the UK in October and November may not go ahead due to Covid-19, Ralph Rimmer, chief executive of England’s Rugby Football League has said – Channel News Asia/AFP
