RFU reduces funding to Premier 15s league by 25 per cent

The Rugby Football Union has slashed the funding to Women's Premier 15s league competition following the financial loss created by the pandemic coronavirus.

According to a report in the Telegraph, the funding would drop from 75,000 pounds to 56,250 pounds this season.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 saw the RFU declare the 2019/20 season of Premier 15s null and void and in May Tyrrells had confirmed that they will end their sponsorship with the competition. The dates for the new season is expected to be unveiled shortly.

It is also understood that the cut in funding is only related to Premier 15s competition and not the England Women's international side.

"The women's game and Premier 15s remain key priorities for England Rugby," the RFU said in a statement.

"As a result of Covid-19, we are expecting revenue losses ranging between £122m and £138m for this financial year and 20% reductions over the next four to five years.

"We understand the challenges across the game and will be working hard and collaboratively with all stakeholders to overcome these," the statement added.