More Frequently Asked Questions

Do clubs need to provide security for a loan?
Security is required for all loans extended either in the form of a first charge over property, or personal guarantees (not less than six).

What security of tenure on clubhouse or grounds are required to qualify?
It must be guaranteed that the club will continue to be able to use the facilities for the playing of rugby union for a minimum period in the future. For grant applications, this period is five years, for loan applications it is dependent on the amount of loan, but will in any case be a minimum of ten years. Where a charge over leasehold property is given as security for a loan then the unexpired lease term should be at least twenty five years.

How are guarantors liable for the loan amount outstanding?
Although guarantors’ liability is joint and several for the total loan monies plus related costs outstanding, this is capped at 20% of the loan balance outstanding for each individual.

For a capital build project, at what stage do I submit an RFF application for a loan?
The RFF application should be completed and submitted, enclosing draft drawings and plans, but before planning permission is sought. This is to enable the Case Officers to provide appropriate advice that will allow the club to meet the criteria laid down by the RFF. There are a number of specifications for projects which could be difficult to accommodate if planning permission has already been obtained.

What do I need to include with an application?
Details of all enclosures are on the application form. For clarity these are:

For both grant and loan applications:
- Club constitution and rules
- Quote or schedule of works

For loan applications:
- Club accounts for the last three years
- Cash flow projections
- Where appropriate, surveys, architects’ plans, lease agreements, planning consents
- Details of existing charges over property
- Evidence of security of tenure

How long does the application process take?
Prior to submission to the Awards Panel for approval, all applications will be assessed in the following manner:
- The Case Officers will review the project itself to assess whether it is worthwhile and justifies funding and to ensure the club satisfies all relevant RFU Community Rugby criteria
- The architectural consultant will review plans for building work to ensure that it satisfies the minimum criteria
- The financial consultant will review the source and application of funds and the club’s recent accounts to ensure the project is financially viable and, in the case of loan applications, that the club is capable of maintaining the loan repayments

Please note that the assessments are intended to be constructive and, in many cases, add value to the planning of the project itself.

What happens after the application has been presented to the Awards Panel?
The Awards Panel will make one of the following decisions:
- Application approved (subject to the required loan security)
- Application approved subject to specific conditions
- Application approved in principle only. In this case, the application will be required to be placed before the Awards Panel at a future meeting. This indicates that the project is one which the RFF wishes to support but there are issues that need to be resolved before it can be approved outright
- Application deferred - if the project appears eligible but not all relevant information has been received
- Application declined

The club will be informed of the decision by the Company Secretary within seven days of the meeting.