Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not the only man making cuts in the sporting world.
More than 10 per cent of World Rugby’s staff have been told they will lose their jobs next month following a strategic review with Portas Consulting.
Emails were circulated last month and Rugby Confidential understands that around 35 employees have already been told their fate.
CEO Alan Gilpin is not in the firing line, with the cuts set to affect fringe staff in areas such as communications, marketing and branding.
Reporters at World Rugby’s Rugby Pass and Rugby Dump outlets are also expected to lose their jobs as the sport continues to face the squeeze.
With three Premiership clubs going bankrupt over the past few years, the sport has been navigating its way through a challenging landscape, with broadcast revenues falling.
More than 10 per cent of World Rugby staff are set to be made redundant (pictured: chairman Brett Robinson)
CEO Alan Gilpin is not in the firing line, but the cuts will affect fringe jobs amid a squeeze
Rugby is enduring financial hardship, with three Premiership clubs going bankrupt recently
Gilpin said: ‘The fundamentals of the growth of interest in rugby from new and existing audiences globally are strong, as demonstrated by the record match attendances and broadcast audience figures for the last men’s Rugby World Cup in France in 2023 and Rugby Sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
‘Rugby can look forward with confidence to the Women’s Rugby World Cup this year in England and to the next Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027 and beyond.
‘However, our sport does not operate in a vacuum and we have experienced the same headwinds in terms of the global economy and competition for eyeballs as have other sports, meaning we must adapt and evolve the way we operate to be more focused on audience and commercial outcomes, while preserving our high-priority support of player safety and welfare and the integrity of our sport.
‘Regrettably, in order to reach the stretching targets we have set ourselves, and to be in the best condition as an organisation to capitalise on them, we have had to make some tough decisions in terms of prioritisation and stopping or recalibrating some activities.
‘We have now entered a short period of consultation with the colleagues affected by these decisions.’
Leicester seek perfect 10
Leicester Tigers have sounded out Joe Simmonds and Jacob Umaga as they try to figure out their No 10 situation for next season.
South African World Cup winner Handre Pollard is yet to sign a new contract with the club, which is caught in a state of flux after Michael Cheika decided to leave in the summer. Simmonds currently plays for Pau in France, while Umaga plays for Benetton in Italy.
Both Englishmen are under contract which could prove problematic, however the Tigers have already missed out on Irishman Ross Byrne.
As reported in last week’s Rugby Confidential, Japan defence coach Dave Kidwell is expected to join the Tigers imminently on a short-term deal.
Leicester are seeking a replacement for Handre Pollard, whose contract is expiring
Tigers have sounded out Joe Simmonds of Pau (left) and Benetton’s Jacob Umaga (right)
England’s special guests
Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount and rapper Tinie Tempah were among the guests in England’s dressing room after Saturday’s victory over Scotland.
Marcus Smith presented Mount with his jersey after an Asian-style post-match meal of sushi and bao buns. Cricketers Jonny Bairstow, Zak Crawley and Jack Leach were also at the match.
After a night of celebrations, the players were given a few days off before they reassemble for a training camp in York.
Try-scoring winger Tommy Freeman recovered with a short stay in Oxfordshire at the exclusive Soho Farmhouse, whose guests include the Beckhams and Dua Lipa.
Mason Mount was among the guests in England’s dressing room after they beat Scotland
Wales are attempting to lure their best young players back – and Joe Hawkins has already agreed a move to the Scarlets
Wales’ youth masterplan
The Welsh Rugby Union are drawing up a plan to bring their best young players back to their regions.
Nine of their Under-20 team that beat Ireland last weekend are contracted to Premiership clubs on cheap academy contracts and attracting them back to Wales is part of their long-term strategy.
Prop Sam Scott, who plays for Bristol, is understood to be top of the list. Currently there are more than 90 Welsh-qualified players playing outside of Wales. Exeter centre Joe Hawkins is among them, but he has already agreed a move to the Scarlets.
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