House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Rugby League

Monday 27 April 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

The Department has assessed that rugby league clubs face significant financial pressures due to the covid-19 outbreak.
The Department has engaged with Rugby Football League and other stakeholders to understand the challenges clubs are facing.
The government is considering economic interventions to support the sport sector, including rugby league clubs.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Emma Hardy Lab Hull Kingston Upon Hull East

Culture, Media & Sport

Context

Emma Hardy inquires about the long-term financial effects of the pandemic on rugby league clubs, highlighting their significance to local communities beyond sports.

Question

What assessment has his Department made of the potential long-term financial effect of the covid-19 outbreak on rugby league? I thank you for your response. The city of Hull is known for its strong connection with rugby league. Clubs provide community support and assistance, including to troubled youth. My colleague Karl Turner advocates for saving rugby league. While appreciating the furloughing scheme, more action is needed soon to secure their financial future.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston (Minister for Sport and Civil Society)

I have spoken with Ralph Rimmer from Rugby Football League, briefed on challenges. Many clubs face financial pressures. Economic interventions like job retention scheme help. We continue to support them and the wider sport sector. I acknowledge the acute pressures in rugby league and will work across Government and with RFL.

Answered

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Q2 Marie Rimmer Lab St Helens

Culture, Media & Sport

Context

Marie Rimmer highlights the cultural significance of rugby league to northern towns, noting their resilience through past crises.

Question

For many towns, rugby league is part of our identity. Most clubs have survived world wars but now face dire need for support and help. What will be done to ensure rugby league survives this crisis?