In a statement released last night, World Lacrosse and the Limerick 2020 Organizing Committee announced that the Men’s U19 World Championship, originally scheduled for July 9-18 in Limerick, Ireland, will not be held in 2020.
World Lacrosse cited “the potential health risks and uncertainty posed by the global pandemic brought about by the COVID-19 virus” as the reason why the event cannot go ahead as planned.
They went on to say:
“World Lacrosse has initiated a consultation process with all 20 member-National Governing Bodies that had planned to participate in the event to assess a full range of options for the Championship.
“In addition, later this week, World Lacrosse will host two virtual “town hall meetings” for representatives from its member-National Governing Bodies and Continental Federations to obtain further feedback and recommendations regarding the Men’s U19 World Championship and other international lacrosse activities.
“Importantly, World Lacrosse would like to thank its National Governing Bodies and Continental Federations for their continued input and support, and the wider international lacrosse family for following the advice of public health authorities and doing our part, as a sport, to help combat the global pandemic”.
World Lacrosse and the Limerick 2020 Organizing Committee will have an announcement in April addressing future plans for the Men’s U19 World Championship.
World Lacrosse is also currently exploring alternatives for the WL General Assembly, originally scheduled to take place in Limerick, but is committed to holding an annual meeting in 2020.
England Lacrosse would like to express its sadness and disappointment that the tournament cannot go
Jane Powell, England Lacrosse National Performance & Talent Development Manager, said:
"Whilst we are all disappointed that the tournament cannot go ahead as planned, we fully support the decision, being in the best interests of the health and wellbeing of everyone who would have been involved.
“We're communicating with the U19 squad and all other teams on best practice for health and wellbeing during this time to ensure everyone is ready to hit the ground running once things are back in order and we now await future announcements regarding the tournament in April”.
To keep up to date with the latest information from World Lacrosse and to read their statement in full, visit their website HERE.