Desperate clubs beg RFU for clarity... and cash

GRASSROOTS teams have urged the RFU to delve into their deep pockets to save ailing clubs, after the Union cancelled the rugby season because of the coronavirus pandemic. On Friday, the governing body took the decision to stop all rugby below the Premiership. It is not clear whether teams at the top or bottom of their leagues will be promoted or relegated — the RFU said they would need a month before they could rule on that. Left in limbo and with no money coming in, clubs have asked the Union for help. The Welsh RU have pledged an additional £1,000 per club while the Scottish RU have set up a £500,000 hardship fund. The RFU, however, have yet to stump up. ‘We have no income at all,’ said Tony Yapp, coach of Taunton Titans who are top of National League Two South. ‘There are no matches, no corporate and everything is off. ‘Hopefully in the hour of need of community rugby clubs the RFU will step forward and support us. If they don’t, a lot of clubs might go to the wall. ‘It would be great if the RFU followed the WRU and SRU. There are so many good clubs in the country, right from the top to the bottom, lots run by volunteers, so to see them go under would be desperately sad. ‘Advice about how to get back on our feet or financial support would go a long way to saving a lot of clubs.’ Taunton are hoping to be promoted but they need clarity soon. ‘For guys not to get rewarded for all their hard work would be quite tough,’ said Yapp. ‘We’ve had no more contact from the RFU than the general public.’ Steve Hill is director of rugby at promotionseeking Richmond, leaders of National League One. ‘I feel for the RFU, it’s such a difficult situation,’ he said. ‘We need to get the right things in place if we are going up. It’s the biggest change between National One and the Championship in terms of meeting the Minimum Standards Criteria. As much notice as possible would be useful.’