Coronavirus: World Rugby provides £80 million relief fund to support national unions

Organisation has called the situation “’its greatest challenge’

World Rugby is providing an £80million relief fund to aid national unions during the coronavirus pandemic.

The organisation has called the situation “its greatest challenge” with the cash available for unions needing immediate funding.

For Six Nations and Sanzaar unions (South Africa, New Zealand and the Australian Rugby Union) the financial package will involve a combination of advances and loans with World Rugby committed to supporting emerging nations and regional associations where required.

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Global sport is facing a crisis never seen before and at this most challenging time we are taking unprecedented action as a sport united to support global rugby, its unions, competitions and players through the enormous challenge presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The measures announced today will provide support and short-term relief in the form of an £80m relief fund, while we are making excellent progress towards calendar options that reflect and address a dynamic, complex and uncertain environment.

“I have chaired many productive meetings in recent weeks with my union, region, competition and player colleagues and we are moving rapidly towards a viable calendar solution and, while compromises are being made, the outcome will be in the best interests of the whole game.

“This is a process with solidarity, unity and leadership at heart – one that sets a potential blueprint for successful collaboration in the future and I would like to thank everyone for their openness, cooperation and global view.”

World Rugby is also exploring a way to return to playing and finishing the 2020 international calendar.

This includes likely short-term reshaping of the international rugby calendar and optimising competition opportunities for unions and domestic leagues.

PA