‘CLUBS NEED FURLOUGH TO SURVIVE CRISIS’
SARACENS could be crowned European champions next month and find they have no league to play in next season.
That is the position rugby union finds itself in after the Government postponed the return of fans to sports events for six months because of growing concerns over the coronavirus.
Saracens, who face Racing 92 in Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final, have been relegated to rugby’s second tier for salary-cap breaches. But unless the furlough scheme is significantly extended it is understood many Championship clubs will be unable to afford to take part.
That could leave Owen Farrell rell
(right), Maro Itoje, Elliot Daly,
Jamie George and the Vunipola a brothers with a big problem ahead of next summer’s Lions tour to South Africa.
“The possible Armageddon effect of this is something you don’t even want to think about, t it’s too frightening,” said a highly-placed Championship source. “Plans had been made to start the league at Christmas and play a 22 week season with, at worst, 50 per cent crowds.
“It would have cost us, but we could have just about got away with it. Now, all that can save us is if the Government prolongs furlough for selective industries including rugby.”
The Chancellor today outlines his strategy to “continue protecting jobs through the winter”.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter said: “Let’s hope there is a genuine concern taken by the Government in how they aim to help us and get crowds back in as soon as they possibly can.”