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English Rugby — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]
10 March 2026
Lead MP
Edward Morello
West Dorset
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Ian Murray
Tags
EducationCulture, Media & Sport
Word Count: 5160
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Edward Morello raised concerns about english rugby — [valerie vaz in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Morello asks the Government to provide more targeted investment in grassroots rugby, especially in deprived communities, and to guarantee stable, multi-year funding for school sports. He calls for the implementation of the new school sports partnerships and the national enrichment framework, and for the Government to support the development of rugby in state schools. Mr Morello asks the government to commit to meeting with the appropriate Minister to address the financial stability of rugby clubs and to ensure that the RFU's governance structures support the long-term sustainability of the sport.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Edward Morello is concerned about the financial struggles of grassroots rugby clubs and the decline in school sports provision. He highlights issues such as outdated facilities, lack of women's changing rooms, and the disappearance of 174 amateur clubs in the past 24 years. He also mentions the financial pressures on professional clubs, including significant debt and losses, and the need for a sustainable financial model to support the sport. He notes the importance of rugby in promoting community and diversity, and the need for government support to ensure the sport's growth and sustainability. Edward Morello is concerned about the financial stability of rugby clubs, particularly following the impact of the covid-19 pandemic. He mentions the £158 million loan provided by Sport England to support clubs during the pandemic, noting the favourable terms but expressing worries about the long-term sustainability of professional rugby union. He also highlights the importance of grassroots rugby and the need for better facilities and access to sports for women and girls.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
James Naish highlighted the financial struggles of Nottingham Rugby, a club in his constituency, due to reduced funding and the burden of a £900,000 covid-19 loan. He questioned the viability of rugby in its current state.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon commended the debate's focus and highlighted the importance of funding for the mental health and camaraderie benefits that rugby provides. He also referenced Fury, a former rugby player turned Gladiator, as an inspiration for young women.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Mark Sewards discussed the work of the Rugby League Foundation and Leeds Rhinos Foundation in local community clubs and the importance of targeted facilities support to ensure these clubs can be successful both on and off the pitch. Mr Sewards raises concerns about the lack of facilities for grassroots rugby and the need for financial support to upgrade existing facilities to meet the demand for rugby participation.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
The Member for Twickenham highlighted the importance of improving access to playing-field space for grassroots rugby clubs, particularly for women's teams. She called on the Minister to ensure Sport England remains a statutory consultee on planning applications to prevent a reduction in the number of pitches. Will the Minister or his counterparts in the Department for Education commit to publishing a national schools sport strategy and a multi-year funding settlement? The sport premium has been scrapped and other funds such as the opening school facilities fund have been beneficial for schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Perran Moon pointed out the RFU's cuts to regional development officers and club relationship managers in 2020 and called for the RFU to reinstate funding to support the grassroots game.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
The hon. Member for West Dorset secured the debate. In Keighley, the last Conservative Government allocated more than £2 million to Keighley Cougars to build a new stand, but the money is still being withheld by Bradford council. The money needs to be unlocked urgently to build the stand.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
Sarah Dyke spoke about the success of women's rugby clubs in her constituency and the need for continued funding to support the inclusion of women and girls in rugby clubs, especially in rural areas. Holly Davidson made history in February when she refereed the Ireland versus Italy Six Nations game, becoming the first woman to referee a men's game.
Government Response
Ian Murray
Government Response
Mr Murray congratulates Edward Morello on securing the debate and expresses his support for rugby union, highlighting its importance to communities across the country. He announces that the Government will invest over £60 million in rugby union between 2022 and 2029 to support grassroots participation, including significant investment in women's rugby. He also mentions the £85 million investment in grassroots sports facilities and the £7 million allocated to the World Cup legacy programme, which has benefited 850 clubs. Mr Murray commits to engaging with the RFU and Prem Rugby to discuss financial sustainability and supports the importance of women's rugby growth, aiming to make it the rule rather than the exception. He commits to meeting with the appropriate Minister to address financial concerns and ensures that the Department for Education will write to address questions about planning and Sport England.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.