UK National Lottery to Become Official Partner of RFL

The UK National Lottery is set to become an official partner of the Rugby Football League and of Women’s and Girls’ Rugby League. The partnership is further evidence of the National Lottery’s commitment to helping sports, and specifically women’s sport, through the effects of the pandemic.

The partnership will see the support of the National Lottery acknowledged through a range of branding across the sport’s premier men’s and women’s fixtures. Also, the National Lottery will be the title partner for the England Women Rugby League Mid-Season International versus Wales on Friday 25th June, Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, KO 6 pm.

“The growth of girls’ and women’s Rugby League at all levels has been wonderful, which made the impact of over a year of not playing so hard for the players, coaches, volunteers and clubs. But we bounce back with this new commercial partnership and with the support of The National Lottery, and we look forward to kicking off our vibrant domestic competitions, followed by a mid-season International, and the excitement of a home World Cup this autumn. Our thanks to The National Lottery who share our vision and understand that Rugby League changes the lives of the girls and women involved,” Ralph Rimmer, CEO of the Rugby Football League, said.

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“We’ve been clear that we must continue the push for greater participation, employment, commercial opportunities and visibility in the media for women’s sport. This announcement is great news for Women’s and Girls’ Rugby League. As we look ahead to the start of the 2021 professional season, this funding from The National Lottery will provide the sport with certainty as we work towards getting crowds back at matches as soon as possible,” Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said.

“Every day, The National Lottery and its players make a huge difference to communities across the UK – and have been doing so since 1994. Supporting sports has always been part of the mission of The National Lottery and this inventive partnership will undoubtedly make a difference. The loss of spectators and cancellation of events has had such an impact, so I am proud that National Lottery players are able to support Rugby League after a difficult year,” Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said.