Rugby Cup’s shareout reduced

ALMOST €19.5 million was shared between the six European rugby federations that competed in the Heineken Cup last year.

This figure is down on the €27.5m the Irish, English, French, Welsh, Scottish and Italian rugby unions received in 2003, figures for the company that organises the tournament reveal.

Accounts for European Rugby Cup (ERC) Limited, filed at the Companies Registration Office show the company cut its losses significantly in the year to June 30, 2004. Pre-tax losses were €57,101, down from €874,978 the previous year.