Penberthy made over 700 appearances for Redruth

Redruth boss Dave Penberthy has expressed his anxiety at the cuts in central funding for teams in National League One.

From next season the RFU will only fund travel costs for National One sides.

Penberthy told BBC Cornwall: "The RFU are so narrow-minded that they just can't see that there is rugby beyond the Premiership and the Championship.

"This league needs teams like Redruth who put young players in because it's a good stage to get noticed and move on."

The removal of base funding for National League One clubs has taken place over the space of three years, down from £70,000 to its present level of £26,000.

By stripping the funding away from this level, the RFU are making it really difficult for clubs Dave Penberthy

At the end of the current season, all base funding will disappear and clubs will only receive financial support to cover travel expenses.

"When you see the quality of players that we've seen this season from academies they are really good," Penberthy added.

"But by stripping the funding away from this level, the RFU are making it really difficult for clubs.

"We're fortunate that we've got a good Colts set-up here and there's some good youngsters coming through, so Redruth Rugby Club will be on the map for a long time."

On the pitch, Redruth enjoyed their first Cornish derby win for over two years last Saturday as they beat Launceston 26-0.

That victory moved them up to third-from-bottom in National League One with 20 points.

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