English rugby is facing a £138million financial black hole, leading both the RFU and Premiership to ask the Government for a “rescue package”.
With fans now unable to attend England’s autumn Tests and unlikely to be at the Six Nations, the RFU will see a massive reduction in revenue.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said that left the governing body “with little choice but to approach the Government for financial help”.
Darren Childs, Sweeney’s Premiership counterpart, said the lack of supporters in grounds could cause “irreparable damage to clubs and the communities they serve” and is also seeking support from Westminster.
“We look forward to working with Government on a rescue package for professional club rugby and we will continue to seek innovative ways to overcome challenges to ensure Premiership rugby has a future.”
The RFU have already made difficult decisions in reducing investment across all areas of the game, implementing salary reductions and making 140 people redundant.
Saracens, who face Racing 92 in a Champions Cup semi-final on Saturday, received some good news last night when Michael Rhodes was cleared of wrongdoing during their win at Leinster last Saturday at a disciplinary hearing. Rhodes will now be available to play in what is expected to be an unchanged XV in Paris.
