England may not have reached the knockout phase of the Rugby World Cup last year but the Rugby Football Union enjoyed spectacular success off the field. The RFU’s annual financial report shows the union doubled its revenues to £407.1m with record profits for rugby investment of £102.3m, an increase of 37%.
The highest turnover in the RFU’s history was boosted by World Cup-generated revenue of £228.1m, with the tournament exceeding expectations on all fronts bar the host nation’s performance. Total revenue increased by £199.2m on the previous financial year, allowing the RFU to post a retained profit of £3.9m compared with a loss of £6.7m in 2014‑15.
The figures will not be greeted with universal joy in the southern hemisphere, which is already struggling to compete financially with the world’s richest union. In the past year alone the RFU invested £89.8m into rugby and over the past four years has exceeded its own strategic plan target set for investment by £28m.
This dramatic upturn was made possible by underlying revenue growth in broadcasting (up 39%), sponsorship (up 8%), matchday hospitality and non‑matchday conference and events (up 3%) and travel revenues. England Rugby Travel, the official travel operator for RWC 2015, saw an eight-fold revenue increase.
Ian Ritchie, the RFU chief executive, described it as “a truly exceptional year” which would have a big impact on the grassroots game in England.
He said: “Despite the huge disappointment of England’s early exit from our home Rugby World Cup ... we have delivered significant investment into rugby both at home and globally. The legacy will continue to benefit our community clubs and the sport at every level.”
Stephen Brown, the chief financial officer, added: “The significant financial success of hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2015, as well as underlying growth in our businesses, results in record rugby investment at all levels. Ultimately the union is in a very good place financially which enables the game as a whole in England to benefit directly from this success.”
The RFU has also confirmed that Andy Cosslett has been elected as chairman in succession to Bill Beaumont, who became chairman of World Rugby this year. Cosslett, who chaired the host organising committee for the World Cup last year, has enjoyed a successful career in business, including stints as chief executive at Fitness First and InterContinental Hotels.
The RFU Council has also approved proposals for a new domestic women’s club competition, backed and run by the RFU, which will replace the existing Women’s Premiership from next season.
Saracens, meanwhile, have confirmed that Owen Farrell will make his first appearance of the season in their Champions’ Cup fixture against Toulon on Saturday. Farrell, who has been troubled by a back and hip injury, missed Saracens’ opening six Premiership games but now has an opportunity to prove his fitness before England’s autumn internationals.
The England wing Jonny May is also on the comeback trail following 10 months out with a knee injury, having been named in Gloucester’s side to face Bayonne in the European Challenge Cup. May has not played since December, when he was hurt playing against Harlequins at Twickenham.
In contrast there is still no sign of England’s captain Dylan Hartley, who is missing from Northampton’s matchday squad for the home game against Montpellier. Hartley has been suffering from back spasms and has played only 106 minutes of rugby this season.
There is more upbeat injury news at Bath, where the Wales internationals Luke Charteris and Rhys Priestland as well as the club captain, Guy Mercer, all feature in the starting line-up at Pau. “All three are experienced players who will give us a new energy going into the game,” the director of rugby, Todd Blackadder, said.
Kyle Eastmond is poised to make his first start for Wasps against Zebre while Henry Slade has been named on the bench for Exeter’s home game against Clermont Auvergne on Sunday.
