Select committee: Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 3
Sixth Report - Current issues in rugby union
Published 17 Jan 2023
Paragraph 12
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 ↗
Recommendation (the committee's words)
It is vital that player welfare becomes the central concern of the authorities going forward, with the introduction of a form of benevolent fund a pressing need. We support the steps taken on concussion and hope that continues, but we recommend that the RFU adopt measures to give players a stronger say in all matters relating to their welfare.
From: Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Sixth Report - Current issues in rugby union (HC 1018), paragraph 12, 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.