THE RFU has welcomed the announcement that the government is going to intervene to stop Ofwat's rain tax and introduce, instead, a sensible social water charging regime.

Water companies will now be allowed to offer concessionary rates to charities and sports clubs. Thousands of groups including voluntary organisations, places of worship, football clubs and tennis clubs reacted angrily after a new "rainwater tax" introduced in April 2008 left them with crippling bills that forced them to cut back on their activities or face closure.

The Scout Association, The Football Association, Lawn Tennis Association, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Rugby Football Union and the Church of England united in a fight against the tax.

Nick Bunting, RFU Head of Public Affairs, said: "The news that the government will intervene to stop Ofwat's rain tax and introduce a sensible social water charging regime will be welcomed by all community rugby clubs across England.

"We have all become increasingly frustrated by Ofwat's failure to understand the damage and financial hardship their policies were causing to the clubs.

"All the major sports have worked collectively with the government to resolve this matter. We will now be seeking assurances from all of the main political parties for wide ranging cross party support to make sure these measures become law in the Floods and Water Bill.

"We believe this is vital to protect the future of the rugby clubs which are the life blood of many local communities."