MP calls for rugby to have its own watchdog
‘Football regulator idea would help safeguard sport’s future’
RUGBY union’s future in England must be safeguarded following the advance of plans for a football watchdog, a Conservative former minister has suggested.
Robin Walker, the Tory MP for Worcester, called for a debate on a rugby regulator after claiming his local club, Worcester Warriors, “deserve their chance to come back into professional rugby”.
Worcester were placed into administration for unpaid debts and relegated from rugby’s Premiership in late 2022.
Mr Walker pointed to the newly-introduced Football Governance Bill as a model for the future of rugby union.
The football watchdog created by the Bill would be empowered to ensure clubs are sustainably run, could force unfit owners to divest their stakes, and would ensure fans are consulted on major club issues.
In the Commons, Mr Walker said: “Following the introduction of the very welcome Football Governance Bill, can we have a debate in Government time about the future of rugby union, and how we make sure professional rugby in England is effectively regulated and supported?
Following the introduction of the Football Governance Bill, can we have a debate in Government time about the future of rugby? Robin Walker
“Clubs like Worcester Warriors deserve their chance to come back into professional rugby, but with no certainty about the shape of next year’s Championship and a clash between the law of administration and the RFU’s (Rugby Football Union) definition of rugby creditors, it is hard for investors to plan with any certainty.
“A century on from when rugby was invented in the West Midlands, is it not a matter of concern that there might be no top-flight professional
club in the West Midlands area?”
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt replied: “I am glad he welcomes the Football Governance Bill, and he will know also that the Government appointed independent advisers last year to work on the future stability of rugby union.
“We will continue to work with the rugby authorities including the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby, as well as Sport England, to support rugby in all its forms.”