Grassroots campaign pushed back again
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney has released a statement following last week’s announcement from the government regarding postponing fans being allowed in stadium for potentially another six months.
The statement reads: “The RFU would like to thank the Secretary of State and Sports Minister for convening a sports industry discussion immediately after the Prime Minister’s statement with the objective of finding solutions to support sport.
“We understand the difficult balance government faces in controlling the spread of the virus while enabling parts of society and the economy to remain open.
“We all need to follow the advice given and play our part in helping to get the virus under control. No crowds at Twickenham for the Autumn Quilter Internationals, the Premiership in October or the Championship and community game will however have severe consequences for the sport in England across all levels.
“With no fans this autumn we will see a £122m reduction in revenue resulting in a loss of £46m and with no fans for the Guinness Six Nations we will see a £138m reduction in revenue with a loss of £60m thereby preventing investment in areas such as the women’s elite game and community rugby.
“Premiership and Championship clubs will face significant financial hardship.
“Our community rugby clubs, many of which run grounds at the heart of their communities are under threat. Without crowds and league games community rugby will lose an estimated £86m in revenue this season.
“The RFU has already made difficult decisions in significantly reducing our 7s programme, reducing investment across all areas of the game, implementing salary reductions and making 140 people redundant. All of these decisions will have a significant and lasting impact on rugby.
“From the outset we have been clear that an autumn without crowds would leave us with little choice but to approach government for financial help.
“Unfortunately, we are now in that position. Without support we are in danger of clubs at the heart of communities across England, as well as players and volunteers, disappearing forever.
“Sport is vital for people’s physical and mental health, both of which have never been as critical as they are now.
“We appreciate the very difficult challenge that Government faces and Government acknowledges the importance of sport to communities and society as a whole and the need to safeguard our future.”
With the uncertainty still surrounding the nation, the grassroots season has been postponed further.
Teams have so far been allowed to take part in non-contact training and some touch rugby matches, but the proper full-contact season will not start until at least November 7 after being pushed back for a second time.
The first four weeks of the season had already been tacked onto December and January, but now weeks five to nine have been moved to January 16, 23 and 30, and February 6 and 13 in leagues with 14 teams, with the fixtures now beginning from week ten.
Leagues with 12 teams had originally seen their opening fixture moved to December 12, but now weeks two to five will move to December 19 and January 9, 16 and 23, with the week six fixtures moved from October 31 to November 7.
The leagues with ten teams now have their first five weeks moved to December 12 and 19 and January 9, 16 and 23. With the season starting with the fixtures for week six.