The RFU ‘set to cut workforce by 25% with 139 jobs at risk and projected losses of up to £107M’

The Rugby Football Union are set to cut their workforce by roughly a quarter, leaving 139 jobs at risk due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The RFU are projected to report losses of up to £107million as a result of the pandemic as the chief executive, Bill Sweeney, has claimed that it will take up to five years for the governing body to recover from the impact.

The final decision on the future of their workers will be made by the end of August  after they announced the proposed cutbacks. 

The RFU are set to cut their workforce by roughly a quarter, leaving 139 jobs at risk

The governing body are set to project losses of up to £107M after coronavirus pandemic

‘As you will be aware the long-term financial challenges are significant for the whole economy,’ Sweeney said via the Guardian.

‘We, like many rugby clubs, rely on revenue from matches and events at Twickenham Stadium and we re-invest this revenue back into the game.

‘Our detailed-scenario modelling shows there may be a short-term impact of £107m in lost revenues and we also know there will be a much longer-term effect. We are projecting a four-to-five year recovery with cumulative revenue reductions of around 20%.

RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney said it will take up to five years for them to recover from

‘We are having to make difficult decisions. To ensure we have a sustainable RFU we have announced to colleagues that it is proposed that the total number of roles across the organisation will reduce by 139.’

The RFU had furloughed 60% of their staff and reduced pay temporarily as they fought the financial implications of the virus at the beginning of the lockdown in the UK, but those cost-cutting measures were not enough, according to Sweeney.

‘We need to maintain our organisation for the long-term,’ he added. ‘This is not a short-term cost reduction exercise, the RFU will still stand, but the impact of Covid-19 will continue to affect us for many years to come.’