SUPER League have confirmed the 2021 season will start later than normal and that the annual World Club Challenge will not go ahead on its usual date.

With the current season set to end with the Grand Final on November 27, it was already widely accepted the usual start time of late January or early February would not afford enough time for teams to adequately rest and prepare.

No start date for the new campaign has been confirmed as yet.

Meanwhile, the statement released by Super League also addresses the World Club Challenge, which would have seen the Super League champions take on the NRL Premiers.

"Betfred Super League can confirm that the Betfred World Club Challenge will not go ahead in its usual February/March date in 2021," the statement read.

"The Betfred Super League season will start later than usual in 2021, in response to the extended 2020 campaign and our clubs’ requirements for a full pre-season.

"Options to play the Betfred World Club Challenge, which sees the Super League champions take on their NRL counterparts, are being considered for later in the year.

"A busy rugby league calendar in 2021, promptly followed by the Rugby League World Cup in October, are among the factors that will be considered in the rescheduling of the fixture.

"The ongoing effects of Covid-19 and uncertainties around international travel will also be taken into account.

"More information will be released in due course."