Cut in central funding puts non-Super League clubs in the dark as chairmen rage

It’s been no secret that rugby league clubs will receive less funding in 2022 as a result of a lower broadcast deal with Sky Sports.

That TV deal has been reduced from £40 million to £24 million, with the Rugby Football League (RFL) previously taking £10 million that Super League did not have access to – which was only realised when the two governing bodies split several years ago.

Top-flight clubs have now agreed to give the RFL £5 million which leaves just £19 million in the pot and even less available for the second and third tiers.

Unfortunately those outside Super League have still been left in the dark as to what this means for the Championship and League 1 with Rochdale chairman Andy Mazey and Doncaster owner Carl Hall having a wholesome – if worrying – interaction on Twitter following the news that London Broncos will be going part-time in 2022.

Harsh reality!

I wrote my programme notes last night for this Sunday’s game as we at Rochdale are set for a 78% cut in central funding for 2022.

We will hold a fans forum soon to fully enlighten our stakeholders and it will be a very clear call to action 🏉🐝 https://t.co/Gn3UPYxY0D

— Andy Mazey (@andy_mazey) September 7, 2021

Crazy that we still don’t know brother?

— Andy Mazey (@andy_mazey) September 7, 2021