Rugby League tour cancelled

Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) has called off the six–week tour of Britain because of concerns over terrorism.

On Wednesday, the NRL's board of directors canceled the Australian rugby league test team's tour of Britain. The players were scheduled to leave onSaturday, with the first test scheduled for November 3 in Huddersfield.

Australian team manager Darrell Bampton said he had canvassed the feelings of the 24–man squad and coaching staff and presented his findings to the board.

It was the Australian team's first scheduled tour of England in seven years.

British coach David Waite said he was disappointed with the decision.

"Everyone has a right to make this decision in the circumstances but the impact obviously is devastating for us," Waite told Australian Associated Press from London.

The cancelation could spell financial disaster for the British Rugby Football League, which is already heavily in debt from last year's World Cup.