Rugby League World Cup organisers are furious, claiming they were given "very short notice" that Australia and New Zealand were withdrawing from the 2021 event.
It's understood the RLWC officials were told of the decision just four minutes before the Australian Rugby League Commission and NZRL released their joint statement on Thursday afternoon.
The ARLC and NZRL cited player welfare and safety concerns as reasons for the withdrawal and urged the UK tournament to be postponed until 2022 to avoid the risk of a player catching COVID-19.
The extraordinary call has now left organisers scrambling to reconfigure the tournament without the defending champions Australia, as well as heavyweights New Zealand.
"RLWC2021 note the disappointing statement made by the ARLC and NZRL which may have wide-ranging implications for international rugby league," a statement read.
"RLWC2021 were informed at very short notice and will continue discussions with all stakeholders to agree on the best way forward."
The withdrawal comes just a week after tournament officials confirmed the event would go ahead with or without the defending champions.
However, organisers were confident they could assure the ARLC to sign the participation agreement by enforcing strict bubble conditions for participating athletes.
But the ARLC and NZRL said that the current environment in the UK was just too risky for athletes and officials.
Extended time away from home including quarantine periods after the November 27 final was also cited as a reason for withdrawal.
Despite the arduous bubble conditions and quarantine requirements, most players expressed a desire to play.
"I understand they've got to go through the right things to protect the players and what's going on, but if there's a chance to go to the World Cup and I was picked to play, I'll be wanting to go," Australian hooker Damien Cook said this week.
"It would be a long time away from home but I'm not passing on the opportunity to possibly be a part of the World Cup, that's for sure."
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said the call was made to protect the wellbeing and safety of players and officials.
"In the current environment, the risks to the safety, health and wellbeing of the players and officials travelling from Australia to participate in the tournament this year are insurmountable," he said.
"The majority of NRL players are currently living away from home under difficult biosecurity protocols.
"They would then be required to remain under protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia. This is too much to ask our players and officials to do."
Earlier this week the UK lifted the majority of COVID-19 restrictions while case numbers continue to climb both there and in Australia.
"Tournament organisers have moved heaven and earth to make this work, so it is not an easy decision, but the COVID-19 situation in the UK shows no sign of improving, and it's simply too unsafe to send teams and staff over," said NZRL chief executive Greg Peters.
"We understand how disappointing this is for fans and those involved, however, player and staff safety remains paramount."
© AAP 2021