RFL warning to clubs over £16m cash boost
GOVERNMENT MONEY WILL BE SENT TO THOSE MOST IN NEED
RUGBY Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer has warned the government’s £16m loan to the sport will not be a ‘gravy train’ for clubs.
As reported in yesterday’s Examiner, the RFL will receive an emergency cash boost to safeguard the immediate future of the sport as it deals with the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
The money will be sent to those clubs most in need and other factors, such as external investment and the use of the furloughing scheme, to be taken into account.
Huddersfield Giants have furloughed their players and all-but a handful of their staff as they look to reduce the huge financial impact of the lockdown.
“This is absolutely no gravy train,” Rimmer said.
“There are conditions and responsibilities attached to this money.
“We will use it wisely and we will use it to steer ourselves into a better place. That management and stewardship falls upon our shoulders.
“It won’t be equitable, it will be in relation to the intervention required for safe passage.
“The clubs will have to apply, they understand there will be a good degree of due diligence in any money that flows from us into the club. It won’t be a straight line.
“Some clubs have an ability to access other funds. Many of the club have benefited from the interventions that have already been put out front the government.
“We have been in regular contact with them all to contact exactly what those advantages are.”
Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone says the £16m fund has come just in time for the game, which secretary of state Oliver Dowden yesterday described as ‘coming very close to collapsing.’
“Arriving at the most challenging time in our 125-year history, this is critical and invaluable support,” said
Elstone. “For many people, particularly in the north of England, rugby league is more than a sport: our clubs are key employers and play an essential role in local economies; they are also vital social hubs where families bond and communities stand proudly together.
“This pledge by the government is indicative of the unique role Super League clubs play in those communities. Throughout this pandemic, Super League and the governing body, The RFL, have been united in consistently putting forward that message, and we are delighted it has been heard loud and clear at such an
Our clubs are key employers and play an essential role in local
economies
important time. The game is grateful that the government has backed up promises it made to the north of the England at the General Election.
“Super League has had to make many difficult decisions over the past few weeks responding to the outbreak of COVID-19. Clearly those decisions were exacerbated by the absence of any clarity on what lies ahead. This news will alleviate some of those concerns and provide much-needed certainty about the future.
“Make no mistake, a challenging period still lies ahead and public safety and the protection of our communities remains our priority.
“But, at a tough time, the game has had a good day – we can now look forward, with more confidence, while we continue to play our part in the country’s recovery.”