Rugby Clubs To Receive €4 Million Of COVID-19 Emergency Funding

The IRFU has allocated €4 million of the €18 million emergency funding it received from Government to help clubs towards the losses they suffered due to COVID-19’s impact on club rugby activity in 2020.

The funding is drawn from the Sport Ireland COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Sport provided to the IRFU to address the existential threat to Irish Rugby across its clubs, provinces and national teams.

Club funding is directly linked to verifiable losses submitted by clubs, to the IRFU in a scheme administered by the IRFU as part of the application process overseen by Sport Ireland.

All 166 eligible clubs were invited to apply for funding. The objective of the process was to be accessible, rigorous, equitable and provide urgent financial assistance to clubs facing the prospect of insolvency or closure in 2020.

Clubs who successfully applied will be able to access their funding in early December.

Welcoming the announcement, IRFU Rugby Committee Chair Greg Barrett said:

“We are extremely grateful to Sport Ireland and the Government for making this emergency funding a reality. We remain fully committed to our domestic game and this support will greatly assist us to move on from 2020 with our Clubs still standing.

“Irish Rugby is still under threat, but tribute must go to our Clubs and Rugby playing schools for the resilience and adaptability they have shown this year. This funding will provide hope, strengthen their resolve and offer a surer footing heading into the new year.”

IRFU Rugby Development Director Colin McEntee said:

“Clubs understand what they need to do if they are to continue to provide an essential outlet for health and wellbeing in their communities.

“Sustainable financial structures and the ability to diversify fundraising streams and engaging members in new ways will be critical.

“But Clubs exist to allow rugby players to play rugby and right now that means doing everything to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They have demonstrated proven compliance with the public health measures that keep us safe and will continue to do so.”