U.K. Shadow Sports Minister Rosena Allin-Khan "urged the Rugby Football Union to reconsider its decision" not to renew the contracts of England's women XV players, according to Dan Roan of the BBC. Allin-Khan told RFU CEO Ian Ritchie of her "deep concern" in a letter. Despite England preparing to defend the World Cup next month, the RFU said that its focus "will switch to the sevens game after the tournament." Allin-Khan said in the letter, "To make this decision is deeply disappointing. Asking players to pause and resume their professions every two years puts their futures at considerable risk." The RFU, which announced record revenues last year of more than £400M, said that its priorities shift between the XVs and sevens programs, with the World Cup Sevens and Commonwealth Games taking place next year. RFU Dir of Professional Rugby Nigel Melville said, "The women's squad were always aware that contracts would end in September, after the World Cup" (BBC, 7/25). In London, Kate Rowan reported retired World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi said that the non-renewal of the XVs contracts was "very disappointing." Labour MPs including MP for Gower Tonia Antoniazzi, a former Wales women's rugby int'l, Shadow Minister for Mental Health & Social Care Barbara Keeley and MP for Wirral South Alison McGovern "also hit out at the decision" (TELEGRAPH, 7/24).
