Petition · past parliament · Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Introduce statutory regulation of professional rugby football clubs

Closed 81 signatures

What the petition asks

In light of the recent collapse of Wasps Rugby and Worcester Warriors RFC, and criticism of the regulation of rugby, we want the Government to introduce legislation to regulate professional rugby clubs in England, including financial rules to prevent debts outstripping income.
Premiership Rugby has seen two clubs disappear within a single season, consumed by debt, with at least one more club at risk of collapse. The DCMS Select Committee has said that the demise of two Premiership clubs is "a stain on the reputation of the RFU and PRL". Yet nothing has changed. The Government has announced plans to introduce legislation to reform football club governance. Why not Rugby Football clubs too?

Timeline

2 Jun 2023 Petition opened for signatures
2 Dec 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 81
Status Closed
Department Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Opened 2 Jun 2023
Closed 2 Dec 2023

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.