The Ospreys welcome the funding package announced by the Welsh Government to help spectator sports severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The £17.7 million package, will see Welsh rugby receive £13.5m, and will provide immediate financial support for spectator sports through the winter to ensure that sports will be ready for the beginning of the new season in September.
The funding package will be allocated to the sports’ national governing bodies directly from the Welsh Government with the £13.5m split equally between the WRU, Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Dragons.
The funding is designed to ensure the short-to-medium term survival of sports organisations and clubs who have been financially impacted by the restrictions on spectators at sporting events.
Rob Davies, Ospreys chairman, said:
“The Ospreys welcome the financial assistance from the Welsh Government to help us meet the major challenges posed by the absence of supporters from the Liberty Stadium and we are grateful for the help during this time.
‘We would like to thank Steve Phillips of the WRU for his work in securing this much needed funding which is vital for Welsh rugby towards the financial challenges ahead.”
WRU CEO Steve Phillips said: “On behalf of the professional game in Wales I would like to thank Welsh Government for this award from the Spectator Sports Survival Fund.
“During an incredibly challenging time we have found both Welsh Government and Sport Wales accessible, responsive and sympathetic to the plight of our game in Wales.
“We always anticipated there would be challenges with spectator attendance at the recent Autumn Nations Cup. However, with the ongoing nature of the pandemic, no one is able to predict with any certainty when crowds will be allowed back into stadia, allowing our income streams to return to normal. As such this £13.5m grant is timely and hugely helpful.”
Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas MS, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism said:
“While restrictions on supporters at events have been vital in stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives, there can be no doubt that they have created real hardships for many sports clubs, many of whom receive a significant proportion of their income through spectator attendance.
“Sport is an important sector of our economy and has a positive impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. Sporting events provide important shared experiences, have often been a welcome distraction during the pandemic and will be a vital player in our recovery and healing after the crisis.
“I know this money will provide some stability to those sports worst affected by the loss of revenue during the pandemic, helping to bridge the financial gap until spectators are able to return safely.”