World Rugby has announced this morning that it agreed to allocate an initial £26.5 million relief package to unions in greatest immediate need of support following a detailed independent evaluation and subsequent approval of union applications by the World Rugby Executive Committee.
This initial allocation is to both established and emerging nations in line with the global £75 million COVID-19 relief strategy previously announced to assist unions through to the eventual resumption of the sport.
The strategy aimed at supporting the global game and mitigating the overall impact of the pandemic on the sport.
The relief fund is available for unions requiring immediate emergency funding subject to appropriate criteria being met. It is designed to assist the maximum number of unions for the maximum amount of time while there is a rugby void.
For 6 Nations and SANZAAR unions, the financial package will involve a combination of advances and loans, while World Rugby is also committed to supporting emerging nations and regional associations where required.
The announcement came at the same time as confirmation of the postponement of all international tours scheduled for July, including that of Ireland to Australia.
