The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture,
Media and Sport ():...I know that Castleford without its rugby team
would be unimaginable and that rugby league clubs are vital to
their towns right across the country, as the right hon. Lady
articulated so eloquently. That is why in May rugby league
received a £16 million support package from the Government to
safeguard the immediate future of the sport and the communities
it serves—that was long before any other support package for any
other sport, in recognition of that important contribution. These
loans were administered by the Rugby Football League, and we have
been working with it and Sport England to ensure
that support is provided to those who need it, including the
Castleford Tigers. The Government have also supported rugby
league through more than £11 million of Sport
England funding over the 2017 to 2021 funding period, as
well as by investing in hosting the rugby league world cup in
2021, which I know will be a fantastic event—we are all looking
forward to it.
The Government recognise the impact that covid-19 is having
across the economy and in particular on the sporting sector.
Clearly, the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday of the new
national restrictions, although necessary to prevent the
continued spread of the virus, will have further impacts on
sport. However, as he announced, elite sport will be able to
continue, behind closed doors, over the next four weeks of
increased restrictions, and that is further testament to the
Government’s support for elite sport. It will not only enable
vital broadcast revenue to flow into sports, but ensure that
sport continues to bring joy to millions of fans. The month-long
extension to the current furlough scheme will benefit clubs that
have had to delay the resumption of matches, while ensuring that
their talented players and staff are assisted through these
challenging times. In addition to the bespoke support for rugby
league, Sport England’s community emergency fund
has provided £210 million directly to support community sport
clubs and exercise centres through this pandemic...
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