Saving rugby league 'is not just about our history, it's about our future', says MP

In an adjournment debate in Parliament last night Labour’s Ms Cooper, who represents Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, urged ministers to consider a number of measures to help clubs hit by the virus.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post prior to the debate, she said: “Castleford Tigers is at the heart of our town, and supports the whole community – from schools, to families to pensioners. That's rugby league values.

“All our major clubs support their communities. You can’t reinvent that if it’s lost. In rugby league towns and cities, it isn’t just about our history, it’s about our future.

“Rugby league has already had a really difficult year, but they’ve kept going. But now it’s going to be a tough winter and we need to make sure clubs can keep the sport going and also keep that vital support for our communities too.

“So I’m calling for a new joint action plan between Government and rugby league with added Government support for the sport through the winter including a guarantee that they won’t let any rugby league clubs go under because of Covid-19. The initial loan was welcome but bills still need to be paid through the winter.

“I’m urging the Minister to consider a range of options to help clubs until supporters are able to return, including grants, loans, VAT cuts, better access to testing, business rate support, extended furlough and other relief options being offered for other sports and sectors of the economy during the pandemic. And a plan for when and how supporters can return next season.”