Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial support they intend to provide to ensure the long-term future of Rugby League.

The Government announced on 30 April that the Rugby Football League (RFL) will receive a £16 million cash injection to safeguard the immediate future of the sport for the communities it serves.

This emergency loan will help the sport deal with the extreme financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak while the season remains suspended, due to social distancing measures.

It comes ahead of England hosting the Rugby League World Cup next year, which will see the men's, women's and wheelchair games come together for a world first on the sport's biggest stage. The Government’s manifesto included a commitment to delivering a successful tournament, with significant financial support already provided.