Launceston rugby club admit to cash-flow issues

Fox confirmed Launceston are under financial pressure

Launceston have become the latest South West rugby club to admit that they are struggling with financial problems.

A decrease in the number of home fans, coupled with a drop in revenue gained from sponsorship, has led to the players taking a wage-cut.

Launceston chairman Tim Fox told BBC South West: "We have a cash-flow issue at this moment in time."

"The players have forgone their win bonuses and there has been an element of cuts in the playing budget."

In 2009, both Plymouth Albion and Redruth were forced to impose pay-cuts on their playing staffs, while Cornish side Mounts Bay went into liquidation.

Fox also revealed that a number of players' wage cheques had bounced towards the end of last year.

"Unfortunately over the Christmas period we had some issues with the bank, where funds weren't cleared," he confirmed.

"But all those players have now been paid in full for that period."

With the lack of money now a serious concern for the Cornish All Blacks, Fox says the players are determined to help ensure that the club can continue operating in the immediate future.

"The players have got together and they've been fantastic," said Fox.

"They've committed to raising in excess of £20,000 for the club before the end of the season."

Cornish All Blacks' six-game winning streak was brought to an end at Polson Bridge on Saturday by Newbury, in front of just 822 supporters.