St Helens Borough Council Leader attends roundtable discussion on shaping national strategy for Rugby League
St Helens Borough Council Leader, Anthony Burns, joined other leaders from Rugby League heartlands across the North West recently to call for further investment, both public and private, to protect and advance the great game.
Article date: 24 April 2025
Hosted by Salford City Council, the roundtable discussion at Salford Community Stadium brought together key individuals from across Rugby League playing constituencies and local authorities to determine the structure and content of a national Rugby League strategy. Attendees discussed where precisely investment is needed, how Rugby League localities can collaborate to succeed in obtaining more investment, as well as their experiences of support for rugby, both locally and nationally.
Delving into key themes and issues, participants noted that Rugby League is integral to the culture of the North of England and called for the inclusion of Rugby League in future Government-led reviews of the sport.
Attendees also highlighted the cultural opportunities for both residents and tourists deriving from enabling the region's rich rugby heritage to thrive. Crucially there are also health and educational benefits from enabling communities to access and celebrate their sporting heritage from young age.
Councillor Anthony Burns said: "Rugby League is in the DNA of many northern towns like St Helens so it was great to unite the North under one voice and establish a clearer path for securing further investment into Rugby League.
"The previous government conducted a review on the future sustainability of Rugby Union and failed to include Rugby League. We're here to make sure that this great sport is given the support it needs so our communities and residents can share in the economic, cultural, social and health benefits that rugby league can offer. I'd like to thank Mayor Dennett for leading on this important work and fighting to give our great sport the recognition it deserves."
To conclude the roundtable, participants agreed to work together to secure investment from the sport at every level, including calling on the Department of Culture Media and Sport, the Department for Health and Social Care and the Department for Education to fully realise the benefit of Rugby League in their respective areas.
ENDS
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