The RFU’s decision to slash funding for Championship clubs sets a worrying precedent for rugby league
By Gavin Willacy for No Helmets Required
The RFU’s decision to slash funding for teams in the Championship – the second tier of English rugby union – will have sent shudders through rugby league clubs below the Super League. Central funding for the 12 clubs in the Championship will be slashed by nearly 50% from next season, down from £530,000 to £288,000 per club, with no guarantees beyond that. The 14 clubs in the second tier of rugby league – also called the Championship – also rely upon central funding and they too have nothing nothing set in stone after next year.
There are considerable similarities between the two leagues. Their members range from established top-flight clubs who do not want to be there (Newcastle Falcons in union and Widnes Vikings in league) to minnows who are punching way above their weight, some of whom are thrilled to be at that level (such as Ampthill in union; and Oldham, Swinton Lions and Whitehaven in league) and others who dream of going a step higher (Ealing Trailfinders and Jersey Reds in union; Toulouse Olympique and Featherstone Rovers in union). The aspirational are full-time; the satisfied are part-time; and some are a hybrid.
Written by Gavin Willacy
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/no-helmets-required/2020/feb/22/budget-cuts-second-tier-clubs–rugby-union-league under the title “Budget cuts for second-tier clubs are worrying – for rugby union and league”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
