Owen was at Hartpury College to open their new clubhouse

Rugby Football Union president John Owen has warned that central funding is under threat unless the new Government overturns proposals on sports rights.

He claims that Ofcom's review of pay TV will result in the value of rights dropping, meaning less money for clubs.

Owen told BBC Gloucestershire: "It would affect us from top to bottom, and other sporting bodies as well.

"We await the policy agenda but I know the FA are also concerned. We are working with them to put our case."

Owen was at Hartpury College to open their new clubhouse.

The College has enjoyed unprecedented success with numerous victories at Twickenham at various levels and unwavering promotion through the league pyramid. Next season they will play in National Three South West for the first time.

Owen said: "The Conservatives were clear pre-election that they would retain the status quo and look at the powers of Ofcom. We are quite comforted by that.

"If we lose these revenue streams, we will not be able to invest in the grass roots level of the game in the way that we would like."

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