Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Cardiff Blues statement: 'This is now a fight for survival'

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Fresh on the heels of the Scottish government agreeing to bail out Scottish Rugby to the tune of £20 million pounds, the CEO of Welsh PRO14 side Cardiff Blues has once again pleaded with the Welsh government to step in.

ADVERTISEMENT

Scotland were facing a multi-million-pound loss in 2020, estimated to be in the region of at least £18 million pounds. The badly needed bailout is split into a £15m grant to the sport and £5m of low-interest loans.

Welsh regional bosses clearly want the same, with Cardiff Blues CEO Richard Holland issuing a statement as professional sport in Wales continues to go without any government support, “unlike their counterparts in England, Ireland and Scotland”.

Video Spacer

Ryan Wilson responds to Eddie O’Sullivan:

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      Ryan Wilson responds to Eddie O’Sullivan:

      “We today reiterate our calls for the Welsh Government to provide clear guidance and financial support to professional rugby in Wales,” said Holland.

      “This is now a fight for survival.

      “Following today’s announcement that the Scottish Government have provided financial aid to sport in Scotland, including £20 million to rugby, Wales is now the only part of the United Kingdom not to benefit from similar support.

      “As it stands, rugby in England will also receive £135 million, including £59 million to the Premiership clubs, and the Irish Rugby Union have already received £16 million.

      “This equates to £4-5million of Government support to each professional club in Britain and Ireland, with the exception of Wales who have received nothing.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      “It is absolutely essential that professional rugby receives similar levels of support from our Government.

      “Without this support the future for our entire national game, which contributes so much to the economy and general society, is bleak. Richard Holland, Cardiff Blues CEO.”

      The Welsh regions, long considered the poorest professional rugby outfits of any Northern Hemisphere Tier 1 nation, have endured years of financial difficulties prior to the pandemic. The lockdown has made a bad situation worse for the Welsh, who, with the exception of the Dragons, are largely privately owned and run enterprises, unlike the unions owned sides in Scotland and Ireland.

      ADVERTISEMENT
      Play Video

      South Africa vs Black Ferns XV | Women's International | Full Match Replay

      Play Video

      Namibia vs United Arab Emirates | Asia/Africa Rugby World Cup Play-off | Full Match Replay

      Play Video

      Lions Share | Episode 5

      Play Video

      Classic Wallabies vs British & Irish Legends | First Match | Full Match Replay

      Play Video

      Did the Lions loosies get away with murder? And revisiting the Springboks lift | Whistle Watch

      Play Video

      The First Test, Visiting The Great Barrier Reef & Poetry with Pierre | Ep 6: The Ultimate Test

      Play Video

      KOKO Show | July 22nd | Full Throttle with Brisbane Test Review and Melbourne Preview

      Play Video

      New Zealand v South Africa | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Long Reads

      Comments on RugbyPass

      TRENDING
      TRENDING The change in Maro Itoje spotted by Eddie Jones in Lions 2nd Test The change in Maro Itoje spotted by Eddie Jones in Lions 2nd Test