Select committee: Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Conclusion 2
Sixth Report - Current issues in rugby union
Published 17 Jan 2023
Paragraph 8
Addressed to Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee Current issues in rugby union All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
The demise during the playing season of two Premiership clubs is a stain on the reputation of the RFU and PRL. It is not indicative of a healthy professional setup. We welcome the planned reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future, but such alarming circumstances should not have been required in order for the RFU and PRL to realise the necessity of these reforms.
From: Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Sixth Report - Current issues in rugby union (HC 1018), paragraph 8, 17 January 2023
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 14 March 2023 (deadline 17 March 2023).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The Government welcomes the Committee's recommendations and notes that responsibility for them "sits with the rugby authorities", while saying it expects governance reforms and is in close communication with the RFU and PRL.
- On governance, the Government states it has "been clear that we expect to see governance reforms that include stronger financial regulations and Owners’ and Directors’ Tests", and says it "believe[s]" the rugby authorities are willing to do so.
- On player welfare, the Government "encourages" the PRL and RFU to "explore options" for a benevolence fund and engagement with the Rugby Players Association.
- On concussion, DCMS is working with stakeholders to develop a single set of shared protocols across the UK, which "will be published in the near future".
- On finances, the Government "noted" the Committee's comments and says the Sports Survival Package gave clubs "generous financial support" during the pandemic.