The existence of our sport is on the line

ST HELENS CHIEF McMANUS FEARS FOR THE FUTURE OF RUGBY LEAGUE AFTER SPORT IS LATEST TO BE CALLED OFF

EAMONN McMANUS fears rugby league could be left in ruins if the current suspension lasts longer than two weeks.

The game’s bosses last night called off all games until April 3, when the coronavirus crisis will then be reviewed.

But St Helens chairman McManus said: “There’s huge financial implications.

“The very existence of our sport is on the line.”

The champions (right) are one of the wealthier Super League clubs but many others live a precarious existence.

Loss of income from matches – and the more worrying implications if Sky TV review their funding – could cripple some clubs.

Asked if the game was facing crisis point, McManus said: “It absolutely is. There is no point in hiding away from that.

“This is open-ended, no one knows the full extent of it.”

Rugby League was one of the last sports to impose a suspension, with Saints’ match at Castleford on Sunday being televised live on Sky after other events were called off.

But last night they fell in line with the Government’s new insistence all mass gatherings should be abandoned.

McManus though believes the Government should now come to rugby league’s help to prevent clubs and the whole sport going bust.

The former international banker (above, right) said; “Government has to look at a degree of support for our sport otherwise it may go out of existence.

“St Helens is probably in the best financial position of any rugby club in the country of either code. We’ve got our own stadium, we’ve not got a penny of debt, we’re profitable, but we have a very high cost base, and if your income evaporates overnight…”

A joint statement from Super League boss Robert Elstone and RFL chief Ralph Rimmer said: “These are unprecedented times. They present significant financial and commercial implications for Rugby League, which will be further considered during the period of suspension.”

Wigan owner Ian Lenagan said: “At this time of great uncertainty, our sport’s number one priority has to be the safety and well-being of everyone within our communities.

“We are fully supportive of the measures decided.”

■ CHALLENGE CUP holders Warrington have drawn Wigan away in the sixth round.

The games are scheduled for the weekend starting April 4, just a day after rugby league’s coronavirus suspension is due to end. However, all the ties will be postponed if the pandemic has not eased by then.

Warrington coach Steve Price said: “Sport must come second, the public comes first. These are tough times.”