RFL backs Wilkin's £30m funding plea to Burnham
Summary
Rugby Football League chief executive Ian Nolan has backed former England player Jon Wilkin’s request for £30 million in government funding over five years for a Northern Rugby League social impact partnership. The proposal would bring together the RFL, clubs, community groups, local authorities and government departments to support disadvantaged communities in northern England.Key Facts
- Wilkin appealed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to support the funding plan.
- Nolan took up his role as RFL chief executive on 1 October.
- Wilkin pointed to Australia’s A$250 million, 10-year commitment to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership as a comparison.
- The Australian program aims to support sporting, educational and employment opportunities in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
- Nolan said established rugby league clubs could help reach communities because local families already use them.
- England’s men’s and women’s teams both exited the Rugby League World Cup at the group stage, the first time neither reached the final four.
- The RFL has launched a consultation with English rugby league figures under an initiative called One Game, One England.
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