The Australian Rugby Union is "adamant" the National Rugby Championship is "still a sutainable competition despite Buildcorp pulling out of a major sponsorship deal," according to Tom Decent of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. While the sponsorship figure has been reported to be worth as much as A$1M ($760,000), it is understood the actual amount is around a fifth of that and closer to A$200,000 ($151,100). Nonetheless, the loss of a major sponsor is "a big blow" for the ARU, which said that it is "unable to commit" to a women's XVs National Championship, as had been requested by Buildcorp co-Founder Josephine Sukkar. While Buildcorp's decision to cut funding might be a "business-based decision more than anything else," there is "speculation of division within the ranks of the ARU after this latest move" (SMH, 6/7). In Canberra, Tiernan & Decent reported NRC side Canberra Vikings "could be slapped with an unwanted bill" by the ARU after the NRC lost its major sponsor. Vikings Chair John McGrath said that he was "made aware of the situation three weeks ago and conceded the club could foot the bill." He said, "The Buildcorp money goes into administration whereas the broadcast money pays for flights and accommodation, so it's not as dramatic as we first thought and we don't anticipate much change. The ARU are working assiduously trying to find a replacement. What happens without one? I'm not sure." Vikings Group CEO Anthony Hill agreed that there will "likely be some additional costs for the club," but is confident it will be "business as usual" when the season kicks off in September (CANBERRA TIMES, 6/7).
