New Zealand Rugby announce emergency grant to Super Rugby clubs
The 2020 Super Rugby season was hit by the coronavirus
©PA
New Zealand Rugby has announced a grant of $250,000 each for the five Super Rugby clubs to help them restore financial stability following the outbreak of coronavirus.
SANZAAR announced last month on the suspension of Super Rugby games for the remainder of the season with the outbreak of COVID-19 while NZR also confirmed that all provincial representative competitions below the Mitre 10 Cup and Farah Palmer Cup have been cancelled.
“An emergency NZR grant of $250,000 each is to be made available to all Super Rugby clubs for the next three months which is seen as a critical supplement to other financing options or levers being considered by the clubs,” said NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson.
“Super Rugby is a vital part of our rugby eco-system and has a solid 25-year track record as a strong and admired rugby competition that has valuable intellectual property and a legacy of world class rugby.
“These decisions are about protecting the core capability of the Super Rugby clubs so that they are ready to hit the ground running if Super Rugby resumes later this year, and also be in a position to revive and participate in Super Rugby in whatever shape it takes in 2021 and beyond.”
Robinson also added that the funding for the provincial sides will also continue as he stressed on the importance to keep the clubs afloat in the crisis situation.
“Provincial unions receive approximately NZ$30 million in funding per annum, and all will receive their funding payment in full for quarter two. However given the challenging circumstances with Covid-19, beyond this time we will keep a watching brief as things develop.
“Super Rugby clubs normally earn all their revenue through commercial and gate activities. All clubs are doing a range of things to keep their organisations viable through this challenging time.
“In addition, just like NZR, Super Rugby clubs have also made necessary changes because of the Covid-19 crisis, including budget cuts and staffing changes.
“The emergency grant is necessary so that Super Rugby Clubs can survive and be ready to grow their revenue once we are through the pandemic.
