World Rugby Announces $100m Coronavirus Relief Package

World Rugby has announced the details of a $100 million coronavirus relief strategy aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on the sport.

The money will assist the sport’s unions until matches can take place again safely, and will be made available for unions requiring immediate emergency funding subject to ‘appropriate criteria’ being met. 

World Rugby says that the package available to top tier unions taking part in the 6 Nations and SANZAAR championships will be made up of advances and loans, but that it is also committed to supporting emerging nations and regional associations.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Global sport is facing a crisis never seen before and at this most challenging time we are taking unprecedented action as a sport united to support global rugby, its unions, competitions and players through the enormous challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The measures announced today will provide support and short-term relief in the form of a US$100 million relief fund, while we are committed to exploring calendar options that reflect and address a dynamic, complex and uncertain environment. 

“I have chaired many productive meetings in recent weeks with my union, region, competition and player colleagues and we are rapidly moving towards a viable calendar solution and, while compromises are being made, the outcome will be in the best interests of the whole game.

“This is a process with solidarity, unity and leadership at heart – one that sets a potential blueprint for successful collaboration in the future and I would like to thank everyone for their openness, cooperation and global view.”

Meanwhile, World Rugby says it is modelling return-to-rugby plans to shape a viable 2020 international competition calendar as well as factoring in scenarios where cross-hemisphere travel or international rugby as a whole would not be possible.

The governing body says that the modelling, which has been carried out in response to the coronavirus crisis, may potentially provide direction for long-term reform of the rugby calendar.