NRL 2021 Season - 72-Hour Miracle

During the COVID pandemic in 2021, 570 players and staff from 12 NRL teams were relocated in 72 hours by Stage and Screen's travel management team. 

Client Snapshot

The NRL (National Rugby League) is Australia's premier rugby league, featuring 17 teams from across Australia and New Zealand. Known for its intense rivalries and passionate fanbase, the NRL showcases some of the best rugby league talent in the world.

The Challenge

In 2021, an entire NRL sporting season threatened to be derailed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Stage and Screen was tasked with relocating more than 1,000 players and support staff to save the season, with 72 hours to make it happen. Read the NRL story about the relocation here.

The Scale

570 players and staff from 12 teams (Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle) needed to be relocated. There were 9 charter flights, from 5 separate areas of Australia. More than 460 frontline hotel staff required full vaccination against Coronavirus, and hotel bookings needed to be made across Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane hotels to ensure teams remained in bio-secure bubbles. This needed to be done in 72 hours, start to finish. 

The Outcome

The NRL season was saved. Over 1,000 people were safely relocated, bio-secure protocols were maintained, and there were zero COVID breaches. The NRL season continued without interruption, preserving millions in broadcast revenue and maintaining Australia's sporting calendar during unprecedented times.

Curious about Stage and Screen's travel management for athletes and sports teams? Visit our website.