Will Carling helped secure outside funding for England's World Cup campaign

Former England captain Will Carling secured outside funding in order to cover the shortfall in cash needed for Eddie Jones’ World Cup campaign, it can be confirmed.

For the first time, the Rugby Football Union required external money due to the financial difficulties that have engulfed Twickenham.

Carling was given the role of raising the funds from donors in the City and was able to generate a sum in the region of £250,000.

“The RFU over the last period of time has had to be prudent in the way we spend money,” an RFU source told the PA News Agency.

“We have all felt the effects of that in recent times. So without dipping into the pocket any more, this seemed a pretty logical and normal way to raise additional money.

“It was not budgets being cut, it was looking for a few additional things that would help in the final stages of the World Cup.”

England have spent over £3million in their quest to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy for the first time since 2003, a sum that includes their outlay on two heat camps in Treviso, north-east Italy.

World Rugby cover all expenses at the tournament, so Jones’ spending is in addition to the cash given to all competing nations.

- Press Association

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