Coronavirus: Rugby Australia ‘very grateful’ as World Rugby payout provides security

Rugby Australia (RA) has said a World Rugby bailout will provide “certainty for the next 12 months” after the national association plunged into a financial crisis.

The impact of coronavirus has been a major factor in Rugby Australia suffering drastic economic worries, with a host of staff stood down for several months and players taking hefty pay cuts.

It has now secured a payout of 14.2million Australian dollars from the global governing body, released as part of a COVID-19 emergency relief fund.

All international tours scheduled for July have been cancelled, it was announced on Friday, meaning Australia’s matches against Ireland and Fiji cannot take place.

It remains to be seen whether the Rugby Championship can take place later in the year, which would also help the Australian game financially.

Rob Clarke, interim chief executive of RA, said: “Our game has suffered an enormous impact globally from COVID-19 and we are very grateful for the support of World Rugby and commend them on their leadership in managing this issue for the global game.

“The financial implications of the virus have been significant for Rugby Australia and this emergency relief funding will provide us with certainty for the next 12 months and enable us to close off our 2019 accounts.

“The funding, in combination with the extensive cuts made across the business, provides us with the short-term impetus to see through the pandemic but does not solve all of the challenges.

.@RugbyAU has secured $14.2m AUD in funding from the game’s global governing body, World Rugby as part of its COVID-19 rugby relief strategy.

MEDIA: https://t.co/XoxU9ekdEW pic.twitter.com/wjy9EWgp14

— Rugby Australia (@RugbyAU) May 15, 2020

“The board is continuing to work through its plans for organisational reform and additionally there are key conversations to be had across the game’s stakeholders about our rugby offering for 2020 and beyond.

“The World Rugby funding provides a much-needed boost and a level of security as we continue this important work.”

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