Rugby league executives give their verdict on Government’s £16m aid package

Ken Davy - Huddersfield Giants chairman since 1996, the longest-serving chair in the British game

It’s an incredibly difficult situation that is facing us and most – if not all – the other clubs.

And it is difficult to see at this stage how it is going to end.

It’s very hard to do that. It’s down to the Government at the end of the day to say what we can and can’t do.

We are in an unprecedented situation. This is a dreadful virus that is capable of doing great damage and is doing great damage to people, the economy and, of course, to sport.

Rugby league is in no sense immune. At our club, I think supporters of the Huddersfield Giants have every right to be worried about our future as this is a really serious situation.

I wouldn’t like to second-guess what the outcome will be for us; no one has a bottomless pit of money. It is, then, welcomed to see the Government now support the sport with this £16m loan.

But it is a loan and I’m not sure how far on it will move us (Giants); we don’t yet know the details of when it will have to be repaid and other aspects. We will await those details.

Having said that, the fact the Government has recognised the importance of rugby league to the communities it serves and the importance of the 2021 World Cup we are hosting, is tremendous recognition for the sport. It is wonderful to see. Hopefully rugby league can come out stronger.

Robert Elstone - Super League chief executive

Arriving at the most challenging time in our 125-year history, this is critical and invaluable support.

For many people, particularly in the north of England, rugby league is more than a sport: our clubs are key employers, play an essential role in local economies and are vital social hubs where families bond and communities stand proudly together.

This pledge by the Government is indicative of the unique role Super League Clubs play in those communities.

Throughout this pandemic, Super League and the governing body, The RFL, have been united in consistently putting forward that message. We are delighted it’s been heard loud and clear at such an important time. The game is grateful the Government has backed up promises it made to the north of the England at the General Election. Super League has had to make difficult decisions responding to COVID-19. Clearly those were exacerbated by the absence of any clarity on what lies ahead.

This news alleviates some of those concerns and provides much-needed certaint about the future. A challenging period still lies ahead, public safety and protection of our communities remains our priority.

But we can look forward with more confidence, while contining playing our part in the country’s recovery.

Jon Flatman - Chairman of Championship club York City Knights

Primarily, this is an extremely welcome support package from the Government in a time of public health emergency.

There are human interest stories behind every stat and data that we see and it’s ever more disappointing and saddening times when a member of the rugby league family leaves us.

And certainly we have seen that over the last few months.

Secondly, it shows that it’s a really measurable impact; that the Government decided for rugby league to be the first sport to recognise its social impact.

We’ve talked about it as a game for a long time and it’s probably a very well-kept secret within the game but we truly are at the heart of our communities and everybody should celebrate the fact that has been recognised at the very top table. It is a loan. And we must remember that.

But this is an opportunity to restart, to consider the game and where it is and where it wants to be.

Let’s not, though, lose sight of the reason why we have obtained this second chance – because of our community ethos – and that needs to remain throughout this ongoing period. At York, we’ll wait for the detail to come through before applying. Today is about taking time to thank the people who have put in the yards. If there is an opportunity to plug the shortfall, it needs to go to those who need first.

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