大象传媒

Clauses to allow Cornish Pirates players to leave the club at the end of December have been lifted.

The clauses were inserted in contracts signed over the summer after concerns over the ongoing funding of the club.

Cash from owner Dicky Evans runs out at the end of the year, and the clauses were put in place should Cornish Pirates be unable to afford a professional side in 2025.

But chief executive Sally Pettipher says the club has cut its deficit this season from more than 拢500,000 to about 拢200,000.

The news comes a day after the Cornish Pirates, along with the 11 other clubs in the second-tier Championship, called for a vote of no confidence in RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney and chairman Tom Ilube.

In response the RFU told 大象传媒 Sport:

"The RFU ends this latest four-year cycle with a strong balance sheet, no debt, a robust cash position and positive profit-and-loss reserves.

"We always see losses in a Rugby World Cup year due to fewer home games and increased costs associated with attending the RWC. These revenue impacts were anticipated, planned for and are in line with expectations.

"The RFU has continued to invest strategically in the game at all levels and for the last two years the RFU has been working hard to develop a redesigned Championship with the aim of developing a whole-game solution to support the development of England Rugby.

"The objective has been to create a second tier that supports the English rugby system by developing young English talent, whilst supporting the clubs to become financially sustainable by growing local audiences, improving standards, and increasing the value of the league.

"Significant research has been undertaken and external independent advice sought to underpin the strategy. Minimum standards have been proposed along with increased RFU funding and a mechanic for promotion and relegation with tiered capacities for entry into the Premiership and a governance structure to give greater self-determination."

Pirates CEO Sally Pettipher has been speaking to 大象传媒 Radio Cornwall's Brent Pilnick.

Photo credit: Brian Tempest

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