World Rugby announces record revenues

World Rugby has underscored its commitment to continued global rugby participation growth with the announcement of record financial results for 2015 and a record investment programme for 2016 following a hugely successful Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.

The consolidated financial results for the fourth year of World Rugby’s 2013-16 business cycle saw the highest turnover in World Rugby’s history and record rugby investment as rugby participation topped a record 7.73 million, almost double the figure at the start of the cycle.

The results demonstrate a higher than anticipated revenue of nearly £345 million. The growth in revenues reflects improved broadcast and sponsorship markets for RWC 2015 and a higher tournament fee from the RFU.

The results show a profit for the year of £189.5 million, as adjusted for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which World Rugby operates in line with global best practice. Under IFRS, World Rugby defers all revenues and direct expenditures for RWC 2015 until the year of the tournament. All funds received from Rugby World Cup 2015 will be reinvested in the game through World Rugby’s programmes.

The results represent a position ahead of forecast, driven by a 70 per cent growth of Rugby World Cup commercial revenues during the four-year tournament cycle and reflects commercial, broadcast and participation growth in rugby worldwide, particularly in major and emerging rugby markets.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby continues to experience record global participation growth and these record financial results will underpin our game-wide investment programme that is a proven catalyst for year on year participation increases and will ensure that we can build a strong and sustainable global game in partnership with our unions and regional associations.”

World Rugby Chief Financial Officer Robert Brophy said: “World Rugby was delighted with the financial outcome from Rugby World Cup 2015 in every respect and this has allowed to us increase our investment in all aspects of our sport as we look forward to the next four-year business cycle, and to Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan in particular.”

{jcomments on}