RFU pleads for financial support from government to stop clubs ‘disappearing forever’

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has written an open letter to the British government, calling for financial support following Tuesday’s announcement that sports fans will not return to stadia on 1 October as originally planned.

It was intended that a reduced number of supporters would be able to enter grounds from the start of next month, but a spike in coronavirus cases in the country has led the government to implement more stringent measures to tackle the spread of the disease.

Among them is the postponement of the plan to reintroduce sports fans into events, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted on Tuesday that it could be another six months before crowds can attend sporting fixtures.

The lack of revenue caused by fan absence from events threatens the futures of many clubs and institutions across all types of sports.

“The RFU would like to thank the Secretary of State and Sports Minister for convening a sports industry discussion immediately after the Prime Minister’s statement with the objective of finding solutions to support sport," wrote RFU CEO Bill Sweeney on Tuesday.

“We understand the difficult balance government faces in controlling the spread of the virus while enabling parts of society and the economy to remain open. We all need to follow the advice given and play our part in helping to get the virus under control. No crowds at Twickenham for the Autumn Quilter Internationals, the Premiership in October or the Championship and community game will however have severe consequences for the sport in England across all levels.

“With no fans this autumn we will see a £122m reduction in revenue resulting in a loss of £46m and with no fans for the Guinness Six Nations we will see a £138m reduction in revenue with a loss of £60m thereby preventing investment in areas such as the women’s elite game and community rugby.”

“Premiership and Championship Clubs will face significant financial hardship. Our community rugby clubs, many of which run grounds at the heart of their communities are under threat. Without crowds and league games community rugby will lose an estimated £86m in revenue this season.

“The RFU has already made difficult decisions in significantly reducing our 7s programme, reducing investment across all areas of the game, implementing salary reductions and making 140 people redundant. All of these decisions will have a significant and lasting impact on rugby.

“From the outset we have been clear that an autumn without crowds would leave us with little choice but to approach government for financial help. Unfortunately, we are now in that position. Without support we are in danger of clubs at the heart of communities across England, as well as players and volunteers, disappearing forever.

“Sport is vital for people’s physical and mental health, both of which have never been as critical as they are now. We appreciate the very difficult challenge that Government faces and Government acknowledges the importance of sport to communities and society as a whole and the need to safeguard our future.”