SOUTHEND Rugby Club been awarded £5,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Community Emergency Fund to help towards the running of the club during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The outbreak of the virus and the consequent shutdown of businesses in March has left the sport and physical activity sector facing a period of extreme uncertainty.

Sport England announced a £195million package to help this sector through Covid-19 and within that was a £20m Community Emergency Fund of National Lottery money to help those who support the nation in keeping active.

And Southend treasurer Ken Baynes is thankful for the backing.

“We are very grateful to Sport England for this grant,” said Baynes.

“Like most sports clubs our income has almost completely disappeared due to the cessation of rugby and social gatherings, while many of our operating costs continue.

"The grant will help us during this period of uncertainty.”