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Professional Rugby: West Midlands
22 June 2023
Lead MP
Nigel Evans
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EconomyBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Nigel Evans raised concerns about professional rugby: west midlands in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The debate discussed the dire situation of Worcester Warriors rugby club and its impact on the community. It highlighted the importance of professional rugby in bringing families together, supporting local businesses, and providing a platform for young players to develop their skills. The speech emphasised the need for government intervention to support the sustainability of the sport and maintain a footprint of professional rugby across all areas of the country. Evans urged the Minister to use his influence with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to provide clarity on how investors can bring teams back into professional rugby and make it sustainable.
Celebrated the ongoing success of the Warriors women’s team and acknowledged the importance of Government support during the pandemic. Emphasised that without significant changes, there will be no top-flight rugby teams in the west midlands for many years.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the important role of professional rugby clubs and expressed his commitment to supporting the sport's growth and sustainability. He highlighted the Government’s financial support during the pandemic, which helped ensure the survival of rugby union clubs at all levels. The minister also mentioned the appointment of independent advisers Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling to provide recommendations for a sustainable solution by the end of July. He emphasised the need for governance reforms that include stronger financial regulations to improve the state of the sport. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of supporting women's rugby and encouraged other sports to learn from rugby union’s challenges.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.