Rugby League chief Ralph Rimmer delighted as clubs get £16m helping hand
RUGBY FOOTBALL League chief executive Ralph Rimmer has thanked the Government for crucially pledging £16m that will help the sport “survive” coronavirus.
The emergency cash loan comes as a huge relief to all those involved in the game which has been shutdown since mid-March due to the pandemic.
“The RFL is grateful to the Government for understanding and acting on the case for the whole sport,” said Rimmer (pictured), with financially-crippled clubs unlikely to start playing until at least June.
“In these very tough times for the country and huge demands on Government, this is confirmation of why Rugby League is important; the sport’s significant social impact in Northern communities in particular.
“Rugby League is not a wealthy sport but is rich in the things that matter most – outstanding sporting and life chances in often disadvantaged communities.
“The effects of lockdown at the start of our season genuinely threatened the survival of our clubs at all levels and their ability to continue delivering those positive social and economic impacts.
“This support enables the sport to survive, to reshape and to be ready to restart in this our 125th year. And to look to a home World Cup next year and a legacy for our communities. Watching and playing sport together, including Rugby League, has a role to play in the nation’s recovery. We are part of that national sporting landscape.
“In the meantime, we continue to work at the heart of our communities, helping wherever we can.”
“This is a massive shot in the arm to secure the survival of Rugby League,” said Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden.
“We recognise that many RFL clubs operate on very tight financial margins. Without their ability to stage matches with spectators and despite the Government’s extensive economic package, the professional game has come very close to collapsing.
“Sports across the board are facing unprecedented pressures, and we are supporting them through wider Government measures.
“In this case we are intervening as an exception, not to save an individual business or organisation, but to protect an entire sport, the community it supports, the World Cup held here next year and its legacy for generations to come.”
As part of its election manifesto in December, the Government pledged to help deliver a successful 2021 World Cup.