Home Tests on postponed pile

CASH-STRAPPED Rugby Australia has received a big $14.2 million boost from World Rugby, but the Wallabies’ three July home Tests have been postponed.

A share of the world governing body’s emergency relief fund of approximately $160 million is a much-needed boost for RA, which recently reported a $9.4 million loss.

The fund was set up to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sport.

In late March, RA stood down 75 per cent of its workforce for three months and in April an interim pay deal was hammered out with players who agreed to an average 60 per cent pay cut.

“We are very grateful for the support of World Rugby and commend them on their leadership in managing this issue for the global game,” RA interim CEO Rob Clarke said.

“The financial implications of the virus have been significant for RA and this emergency relief funding will provide us with certainty for the next 12 months and enable us to close off our 2019 accounts.

“The funding, in combination with the extensive cuts made across the business, provides us with the short-term impetus to see through the pandemic but does not solve all of the challenges.”

RA could still face a significant loss of revenue if its three mid-year home Tests aren’t rescheduled.

World Rugby confirmed the program of international rugby matches during the 2020 July window has been postponed due to ongoing government directives. Australia was due to play Ireland at Suncorp Stadium on July 4 and the SCG on July 11. A clash with Fiji had been scheduled for Townsville on July 18.