Phil Clarke doubts rugby league could survive for three months in coronavirus pandemic

Drew Darbyshire

Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke says rugby league will struggle to survive for two or three months without support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this week, the Rugby Football League and Super League announced that all fixtures are suspended until April 3.

The general feeling is that fixtures will not be played for longer than the aforementioned time period.

Clarke said: “Rugby league is in a very vulnerable position.

“I doubt that it could survive for two or three months without support, or even for two or three weeks.

“All the major sports has met with the department of culture, media and sport to suggest support packages that may be needed to be put in place.

“I accept that this is a challenge for society, not just sport, but everybody from every walk of life needs some support at this time but I do think the government recognises the vital role sport plays in this country.

“Sport is a healthy glue that holds so many communities together and that’s why it is essential that we keep sport alive here for when the crisis is finally over so we still have the sporting landscape in this country.”

 

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