Dragons' chairman calls for Welsh Government support for struggling rugby clubs

Dragon's Chairman David Buttress has called for Welsh Government support to help rugby clubs struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic.

David Buttress said: ''We're not different from any other business, rugby is the equivalent to a FTSE 250 in Wales.''

Buttress believes rugby has been ''one of the hardest hit sports in coronavirus.''

Championship football is set to return on June 20, which will see Cardiff and Swansea back in action but there is still uncertainty over rugby's return.

Buttress says that will only happen when it is safe for players and fans, but the closure of clubs is having a big financial impact.

''We've lost all our revenue because we can't play and therefore there are no supporters,'' he said.

''It's important that we get that support from supporters but also the government, because I think welsh rugby is an important industry.''

Rodney Parade, home to the Dragons, is currently being used as a drive through testing centre for coronavirus.

''Like everybody, Welsh rugby is trying to do their bit to support the community,'' Buttress said,

''Whether it's Cardiff with the hospital or here in Newport where we have the coronavirus testing centre, we're keen to support the communities where we are.''