Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Sixth Report - Current issues in rugby union
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
HC 1018
Published 17 January 2023
Recommendations
3
Acknowledged
It is vital that player welfare becomes the central concern of the authorities going forward,...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The Government encourages the PRL and RFU to explore options for the introduction of a benevolence fund, engagements with the Rugby Players Association (RPA), and other mechanisms for improving the welfare of players involved in the sport. DCMS is working with stakeholders to develop a single set of shared concussion protocols across the UK.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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4
Acknowledged
We await the publication of the RFU annual report.
Recommendation
We await the publication of the RFU annual report. We recommend that when the annual report is published, the RFU writes to us with a detailed commentary of its financial position and what steps it will be taking to prevent …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the RFU's Annual Report and is in close communication with the PRL and RFU on financial and governance issues, welcoming governance reforms including stronger financial regulations. They did not commit to ensuring the RFU writes to the committee with commentary.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Conclusions (2)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 7
The financial situation of Premiership clubs is clearly unsustainable, and we are surprised by the very complacent belief of Bill Sweeney and Simon Massie-Taylor that further growth in club revenues will solve these problems.
Government Response Summary
The government noted the report's comments on rugby union finances and highlighted the Sports Survival Package provided during the pandemic. They are in close communication with the PRL and the RFU on their plans to manage the immediate financial and governance issues facing the sport and their longer term plans for sustainability in professional rugby.
2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
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 …
Government Response Summary
The government looks forward to hearing more from the RFU and PRL on planned reforms and is liaising with both to understand their approach and share best practices.