RFU admit sevens squad at risk of being cut

England's women and men's sevens squads face the prospect of losing their funding after the Rugby Football Union admitted players might not have their contracts renewed when they expire this summer.

Players were warned they will need to look for other work. Whilst the RFU is exploring ways of keeping a presence on the World Sevens Series circuit, it cannot 'sustain the team in its current format' despite sevens now being an Olympic sport.

The governing body is facing losses of up to £107m due to the coronavirus crisis. "We are having to make difficult decisions," it said in a statement.

"To ensure we have a sustainable RFU we have announced a proposal to reduce the number of roles across the organisation. We have also advised our rugby sevens men's and women's players that we may not be able to renew their contracts when they expire over the summer."