World Rugby has announced details of a dedicated COVID-19 relief strategy aimed at supporting the game and mitigating the overall impact of the pandemic on the sport.
Underpinned by a relief fund of approximately US$100 million to assist unions through to the resumption of the sport, the strategy reflects World Rugby’s commitment to leading the sport through its greatest challenge and is a result of cross-game collaboration that has enabled key decisions to be taken in the spirit of solidarity and partnership.
World Rugby says the relief fund will be available for unions requiring immediate emergency funding subject to appropriate criteria being met.
They say it is designed to assist the maximum number of unions for the maximum amount of time while there is a rugby void.
For 6 Nations and SANZAAR unions, the financial package will involve a combination of advances and loans, while World Rugby is also committed to supporting emerging nations and regional associations where required.
In tandem with an extensive financial assessment, World Rugby, in full partnership with 6 Nations, SANZAAR, unions (in consultation with their leagues) and International Rugby Players, continues to progress a variety of return-to-rugby plans, including the delivery of a viable 2020 international competition calendar subject to the relevant government and health authority advice.
This includes likely short-term reshaping of the international rugby calendar, optimising competition opportunities for unions and domestic leagues.
As a prudent precaution, further scenario planning factors in a competitive environment where cross-hemisphere travel might not be possible and, in the worst-case scenario, where no international rugby is possible this year.
