RFU seeking financial help from government amid stark warning after plans for return of spectators axed
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has warned that a season without fans is set to cost rugby union hundreds of millions of pounds as sports appeal for financial support from the government in the wake of new coronavirus restrictions.
Plans were in place to begin a staged return of fans to sporting fixtures from the start of next month, with several test events having been staged already, but on Tuesday the government announced a pausing of that initiative amid a surge in coronavirus cases.
The culture secretary Oliver Dowden held a meeting with the leaders of major sports on Tuesday afternoon to discuss how to support the industry as it is decimated by a lack of income from match-going supporters.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested the new wave of restrictions could last for six months, which raises the possibility of rugby union's new Autumn Nations Cup, domestic season and next year’s Six Nations all being staged behind closed doors.
Sweeney warned that such a scenario would have “severe consequences for the sport in England across all levels”, adding that it would restrict the RFU’s ability to invest in “areas such as the women’s elite game and community rugby”.
He said the absence of fans from the autumn competition would see a £122million drop in revenue, resulting in a £46m loss, while a behind-closed-doors Six Nations would see £138m in revenue disappear at a loss of £60m.
The statement went on: “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.”
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Premier League warns of 'devastating impact' after fan return axed
