London Scottish pull out of Championship season after rejecting government loan

London Scottish have pulled out of the upcoming Championship season after rejecting government loans through the Sports Winter Survival Package following the pandemic coronavirus.

The Covid-19 has led to the suspension of all the competitions below Championship in the country with the second tier tournament for the 2020/21 season set to begin on 6th March with a shortened format.

A statement released by the club said it has opted against the government loan to play the matches this season in loss with spectators and club members expected not to attend the games in full strength.

"London Scottish confirms today that the Club will not be taking 10 year government loans through the Sports Winter Survival Package in order to play 10 loss-making matches in the reduced format Championship.

"These are matches which the Club’s members and supporters are unlikely to be able to attend and which run the risk of sudden postponement owing to Covid".

Club Chairman Malcolm Offord stated that the loans will not be beneficial in playing the games under tough Covid protocols.

“Unfortunately, we have been offered loans, not grants, to help us survive Covid. Much as we all desperately wish to see London Scottish competing on the pitch, we do not believe the solution to short-term losses is taking on long term loans.

"Director of Rugby, Matt Williams, has put together a great squad for this season and we are all bitterly disappointed, especially for the players, that we won’t get the chance to see them play.

"But we must put the long term sustainable future of the Club first for the benefit of our members, staff, shareholders, sponsors and supporters.”