DCMS fear rugby future as £30m in taxpayer loans expected to be written off December 18, 2024 The government could be forced to write off nearly £30m of taxpayers’ money loaned to sports bodies, clubs and the arts during the Covid-19 pandemic. The figures, revealed today by the National Audit Office, provide a stark update on the £474m aid package provided by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Rugby union was [...]
Papua New Guinea to join NRL in £301m ‘diplomacy deal’ against China funded by taxpayer December 12, 2024 A team from Papua New Guinea will join Australian rugby league competition the NRL in a “diplomacy deal” that will cost the taxpayer £301m. It is understood the deal is part of an Australian push to counteract increasing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific and follows Australian support for Pacific island rugby union teams participating in [...]
More tickets sold for women’s football than rugby league in 2024 December 12, 2024 Booming interest in women’s football has seen it overtake rugby league for tickets sold in the UK this year, according to new data from agency Two Circles. More than 2.1m fans attended women’s football matches, a 38 per cent increase year-on-year, the 2024 Attendance Review from the sports and entertainment marketing business reveals. That number [...]
Super League Hull FC get new owners worth reported £500m December 11, 2024 Super League club Hull FC was taken over on Wednesday by two businessmen who are reportedly worth a combined £500m. The club, which lost its IMG Grade A status after the conclusion of the 2024 season, has been taken over by former Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill and businessman David Hood. The pair entered into [...]
London Broncos reveal future plans after relegation confirmed October 23, 2024 London Broncos chiefs insist there is renewed optimism that they can return to Super League in 2026 after their relegation to the second tier of rugby league was confirmed. The capital club ranked 14th in the new grading system run by the Rugby Football League and strategic partner IMG, meaning that, as expected, they did [...]
Government pledge to make UK “top destination for women’s sport investment” October 23, 2024 The government has today pledged to make the United Kingdom a “top destination for women’s sport investment”. Investment minister Poppy Gustafsson, formerly of Darktrace, has launched the Women’s Sport Investment Accelerator scheme to bring together 20 leagues and teams with investors to boost commercial activity in women’s sport. The participating sports include football, cricket, rugby, [...]
Taxman hits Halifax Panthers with fresh winding up petition October 22, 2024 The tax authority has hit professional rugby league club Halifax Panthers with a new winding up petition on Tuesday
Premiership rugby stays on free-to-air TV in new two-year deal September 30, 2024 Premiership rugby will remain available to terrestrial TV viewers after the league extended its deal with ITV to show seven live matches per season. The two-year agreement ensures the Premiership Final will be shown live on ITV, which will also continue to broadcast a weekly highlights programme. “Premiership Rugby is thrilled to extend our relationship [...]
Why rugby league’s Magic Weekend could return to Newcastle in 2025 August 28, 2024 Newcastle United’s Saudi Arabian owners vetoed the club’s proposal to stage rugby league’s Magic Weekend at St James’ Park, but have indicated they may consider hosting the two-day event again next year. Rugby Football League officials would like to return to Newcastle, who have staged Magic Weekend on seven occasions since 2015, after this month’s [...]
Rugby league to swap Leigh for Las Vegas as part of four-game showcase July 9, 2024 England’s women are also set to play Australia in the US city the same day.