Rochdale MP reacts angrily to 'Class B' rugby snub

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st May 2008

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has signed up to a campaign to get Rugby League classified as a 'Class A' sport. He was reacting after Sport England's controversial banding (Class B) of the popular local sport. The banding affects the money going into the grass roots level sport though the Community Club Development Programme.

The four sports that gained 'Band A' Status was Football, Cricket, Tennis and Rugby Union. Rugby League fans have reacted angrily to the news of the major funding body categorising the game as a "Class B" sport.

Paul Rowen said: "I fully back this motion and I hope that the more support we get will get Sport England to review their policy.

"At a time when Rugby League has never been as popular and participation rates are at an all-time high this will be seen as a real snub to sport in especially the North.

"Here in Rochdale, Hornet's fans will be appalled.

"This decision will inevitably see vital funding being cut at grass roots.

"Rugby League is also hugely popular at an amateur level and I would hope we will see a review.

"They say never mix sport with politics. We need to use our influence sometimes though to make difference.

"This decision will affect more sports clubs round here than many other places.

"I think it's important to back the widest range of sports as possible. At a time that football is hitting the headlines locally and quite rightly. We should also remember our Rugby League players of the future!"

The Early Day Motion has been tabled by Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle has been backed by 27 MPs so far. As a result of the Motion, Sport England is reviewing the banding decision.