Rugby league will 'reshape' after securing £16m loan from the government, says Ralph Rimmer

He says cost-cutting measures brought in - including wage deductions - will not be reversed now they have secured the cash injection to safeguard the immediate future of the sport.

Speaking on BBC's Radio Four this morning, Rimmer didn't reveal how and when the cash needed to be repaid, but said: "I won't disclose the terms of the loan but you'd expect a high level of stewardship from the government when it's public purse money, we understand the responsibility that comes along with it and we intend to use it wisely and reshape.

"As the governing body we understand the landscape, we'll use it sparingly and wisely."

All professional and semi-professional clubs based in England are eligible to apply for funding, which will be administered by the RFL in partnership with Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Asked whether the money may be used to end the pay-cuts which the RFL, Super League and the clubs introduced during the lockdown, Rummer told Radio Four: "No, I don't think so.

"The sport needs to reshape itself, without doubt. I don't think there's any backtracking now on what's happened.

"We have taken some drastic measures to navigate some difficult waters. We've proved resilient over 125 years and it's really important now that we cut our cloth and reemerge, and punch the air when we do and celebrate the fact we've got through it."

The season remains suspended with no return date set as the virus continues to impact around the world.

Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: "This is a massive shot in the arm to secure the survival of rugby league.

"We recognise that many RFL clubs operate on very tight financial margins. Without their ability to stage matches with spectators and despite the Government's extensive economic package, the professional game has come very close to collapsing.

"From my first sports visit as Secretary of State to Leigh Centurions, I could see how important these clubs are to the communities they serve.

"They are the beating heart of their towns and cities, and their impact goes far beyond what happens on the pitch.

"Sports across the board are facing unprecedented pressures, and we are supporting them through wider Government measures.

"In this case we are intervening as an exception, not to save an individual business or organisation, but to protect an entire sport, the community it supports, the World Cup held here next year and its legacy for generations to come."

Rimmer added: "Rugby league is not a wealthy sport but is rich in the things that matter most - outstanding sporting and life chances in often disadvantaged communities.

"The effects of lockdown at the start of our season genuinely threatened the survival of our clubs at all levels and their ability to continue delivering those positive social and economic impacts."

Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone added: "Make no mistake, a challenging period still lies ahead and public safety and the protection of our communities remains our priority.

"But, at a tough time, the game has had a good day - we can now look forward, with more confidence, while we continue to play our part in the country's recovery."

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