By Salma El-Sakka
The Rugby Football League has endorsed a call by former England international Jon Wilkin for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to approve a £30 million, five-year community funding plan for rugby league in northern England.
Wilkin's £30m community funding proposal
Wilkin, who played 10 times for England and six for Great Britain, argued that Australia's recent commitment of A$250 million (£130 million) over 10 years to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership demonstrates the sport's potential as a vehicle for social change. He said a similar Northern Rugby League social impact partnership would target disadvantaged communities using the existing infrastructure of clubs, foundations, and school relationships.
RFL chief executive backs plan
New RFL chief executive Ian Nolan, who took office on 1 October, supported Wilkin's plea on BBC Radio 5 Live. Nolan, a former Manchester United executive, said rugby league clubs are already established in the UK's most deprived towns, meaning government investment would yield social benefits more quickly than building new community hubs from scratch.
Government response
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said the government has committed £15.7 million to rugby league through Sport England up to 2029 and is investing £400 million in grassroots sports facilities. The department added it is aware of the RFL's concerns and will continue working to ensure the sport receives fair treatment and long-term investment.
World Cup fallout and reform plans
The funding appeal comes after both England's men's and women's teams exited the Rugby League World Cup at the group stage, the first time neither reached the final four. Nolan has launched a "One Game, One England" consultation with former greats to reform the sport from grassroots level up, acknowledging the need to develop higher-quality players for the national team. He suggested reviving formats such as the International Origin series or the War of the Roses, and creating new Ashes-type series against Australia, New Zealand, or France.
Calendar and broadcast criticisms
Former England winger Ryan Hall blamed an overcrowded Super League calendar and the reduction of the World Cup from 16 to 10 teams for the disappointing performance, saying the tournament lost its festival nature. Wilkin criticised the lack of free-to-air television coverage, with all matches live only on Premier Sports and the BBC providing radio and digital highlights. International Rugby League chair Troy Grant said the BBC did not offer enough money for live rights, while a BBC spokesperson cited the need to make difficult choices to deliver savings.
