New Zealand Rugby will make an emergency grant of $150,000 to each of its five Super Rugby teams to help them weather the next three months while the southern hemisphere tournament is suspended because of the global pandemic.
Chief executive Mark Robinson said the grant was a critical supplement to other financing options or levers being considered by the clubs that face an uncertain financial future.
The Super Rugby season has been suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus outbreak and it is not clear when or if it will resume.
"Super Rugby is a vital part of our rugby ecosystem and has a solid 25-year track record as a strong and admired rugby competition that has valuable intellectual property and a legacy of world class rugby," Robinson said it a statement Wednesday.
"These decisions are about protecting the core capability of the Super Rugby clubs so that they are ready to hit the ground running if Super Rugby resumes later this year and also be in a position to revive and participate in Super Rugby in whatever shape it takes in 2021 and beyond."
"In addition, just like NZR, Super Rugby clubs have also made necessary changes because of the Covid-19 crisis, including budget cuts and staffing changes. The emergency grant is necessary so that Super Rugby Clubs can survive and be ready to grow their revenue once we are through the pandemic."