The Government has responded to Jon Wilkin’s passionate plea for a £30million rugby league investment plan for social impact by insisting the sport will receive the “long-term investment it so richly deserves”.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) revealed that £15.7million has already been committed to rugby league through to 2029, following the former England star’s appeal for greater Government backing.
Wilkin, the former St Helens, Toronto Wolfpack, England and Great Britain star, has called directly on the Government to support an ambitious five-year social impact project built around rugby league.
His £30million proposal would bring together the Rugby Football League, professional clubs, community foundations, local authorities and Government departments in a bid to harness the sport’s influence across communities.
Wilkin, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live earlier this week, described rugby league as “one of the North of England’s greatest untapped social assets”.
His call for action was backed by new RFL chief executive Ian Nolan live on air, who took up the role just last month.
Now the DCMS has issued its response, pointing to millions already earmarked for the sport while promising to continue working with the governing body.
A DCMS spokesperson said: “For over 130 years, rugby league has made a huge contribution to our society.
“This Government, through Sport England, has committed £15.7million to rugby league up to 2029 and we are investing £400million into upgrading grassroots sports facilities.
“We are aware of the concerns of the RFL and will continue to work with them to ensure rugby league gets the fair treatment, support and long-term investment it so richly deserves.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a Leigh Leopards supporter, previously served as RFL president between 2017 and 2018.
Ahead of his election, Burnham pledged to support rugby league “from the highest office”.