RFU claims first World Cup profit

New revenue streams earn RFU first World Cup profit

By Claire Hughes   Last updated: 19th November 2008

RFU claims first World Cup profit

Baron: Strong performance

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Concerts and travel packages have helped the Rugby Football Union finish a World Cup season in the black for the first time.

World Cup years are always tough for the RFU because of the loss of nearly £12million in revenue that would normally be generated by the autumn internationals.

But branching out into the music industry by hosting The Rolling Stones, U2 and The Police concerts plus expanding their travel scheme for fans wanting to watch England overseas and some belt tightening have seen them buck the trend.

They've announced a £1.5million profit for the year ending on June 30, one million of which has been ploughed into new community activities.

RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: "Given that Rugby World Cup years are always financially challenging, it is pleasing to report that our financial performance was strong, that we exceeded expectations and that we invested an extra £1million in community rugby and still increased our balance-sheet strength further to £141.8million."