Covid-19: Support for Rugby League

Opened the debate

Yvette Cooper highlighted the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on rugby league clubs in Yorkshire, the Humber, and the north-west. She discussed how these clubs support local communities through jobs, events, health initiatives, and youth development programmes. The MP emphasised the financial strain caused by cancelled matches and reduced ticket sales, despite significant savings measures taken by clubs. She called for a new government support plan to help rugby league clubs through tough times and stressed the importance of the sport in fostering community cohesion and inspiring future generations.

Government Response

The Minister of State recognised the importance of rugby league clubs to local communities and praised their resilience. He noted that a £16 million support package was provided in May to safeguard the sport's immediate future, with Sport England also contributing over £11 million since 2017. The minister acknowledged ongoing financial pressures due to cancelled matches and social distancing measures but emphasised that elite sports can continue behind closed doors for the next four weeks. He committed to assessing further support needs and continuing discussions with the Rugby Football League (RFL) on proposals for winter challenges. The Minister also mentioned a business rate holiday through March 2021, ongoing work to safely return spectators to stadia, and a commitment to delivering a successful rugby league world cup in 2021.