RFU seeks bailout as clubs on the brink of 'disappearing forever'

Bill Sweeney: Without support, clubs in danger of ‘disappearing forever’.

The Rugby Football Union is seeking financial aid from the Government after forecasting losses totalling £106m (€115m) as a result of fans being absent from matches at Twickenham for up to six months.

Chief executive Bill Sweeney has revealed the perilous outlook that will see a £122m reduction in revenue for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Cup and £138m for the Six Nations. The impact of these are losses of £46m and £60m respectively, forcing the world’s richest union to request a bailout.