ST HELENS' MPs have written to the government calling for "swift and decisive action" to help at risk rugby league clubs during the coronavirus crisis.

All rugby league competitions were suspended from mid-March, initially for three weeks and then indefinitely, due to the pandemic.

Now Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston, and Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North, have urged government to offer support to the game's clubs in the face of such uncertainty.

In a letter written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the Labour MPs say say the crisis is having "a profoundly detrimental impact on clubs such as St Helens RFC" and that the "need for support is both real and urgent".

The letter added: "These unprecedented times are a challenge for all of us, but there has not been one single public statement on the issue of support for the game of rugby league at all, all while the professional game stands at risk and amateur clubs move towards the brink of collapse".

The MPs added: "Rugby league clubs sit at the very heart of many communities in the north of England, including our own across St Helens borough. They are central to our cultural life and play a vital role in our communities."

They said that the suspension of competitions is for rugby league clubs "all the more perilous, given the significant revenue lost at the gates" and that "contrary to elite football clubs" the "profit margins for rugby league clubs are slim, or non-existent".

The letter also references that Saints are owners of their stadium, which means "all additional revenue lost on its world-class hospitality, weddings, corporate conferences and events packages poses heightened financial challenges".

It also states: "The loss of these clubs, many of whom are now over a century old, would be a profound and unacceptable loss for our communities, as well as communities right across the north".

It added: "In fact they will be losing a vital and much-loved force for good in our communities and an essential and enduring part of our local cultural heritage and identity.

The letter added: "That is why we are urging you, Chancellor, along with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to now act swiftly and decisively on this issue, before it is simply too late for many rugby league clubs across our country."

Super League clubs held a Board meeting via conference call on March 24.

Afterwards, Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone said: "Super League and its clubs are working round the clock to prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead and to ensure the sport is in the best possible place for when life returns to normal.

"Our priorities are the health of our players and staff and the economic well-being of our clubs.

"We welcome the government's proposals to help businesses, and in partnership with the RFL we are exploring all the options available to us.

"We are also keeping close to all our partners and, in particular, offering all our support to Sky Sports.

"Most of all, we are sticking together and looking out for the health of our families, friends and colleagues.

"Our sport has enviable values that stem from the behaviours and attitudes of all of us.

"These will be essential to emerging strong at some point in the near future.

"On behalf of all Super League clubs, we thank you for your loyalty and continued support."