Rugby Union will receive almost half of the £300m funding announced by the government as a rescue package due to the pandemic coronavirus.
Out of the £135m, Rugby Football Union will receive £44m while Premiership Clubs will receive £59m and £9m to clubs in the Championship with £23m allocated to clubs below the Championship.
“Over the past few weeks we have worked tirelessly with sport governing bodies and clubs across the country to fully assess what support is needed, as a result of the decision to postpone the return of fans,” said Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston.
“We know the vast majority of sports – many of which operate on tight financial margins – have been making serious cost reductions, such as locking down grounds, taking up the furlough scheme for many staff and halting excess payments.
“Whilst the Government’s overall economic package has provided a significant buffer, it is absolutely right that we now intervene to protect entire sports, and the communities they support, as we navigate this pandemic.”
Horseracing has been handed a £40m aid and £12m for rugby league. Motorsport (£6m), Tennis (£5m), Netball (£4m), Basketball (£4m), Ice Hockey (£4m), Badminton (£2m) and Greyhound racing (£1m) are the other sports to benefit from the package announced by the government.
