Munster chief reveals cost of success
And he admitted that while the province was “holding its own” in generating income, winning the Heineken Cup last season resulted in no financial windfall, other than what the Munster Branch could generate by selling the ‘Munster Rugby’ brand.
Speaking at the first of two breakfast briefings in Nenagh, Fitzgerald said the branch was in the process of appointing a new sales and marketing manager with the aim of creating new revenue streams to offset rising costs.
He told the packed attendance at the briefing, which was raising money for the North Tipperary Hospice service, that the fact there was no bonus for Munster’s victory was “a challenge”.
Describing Munster rugby’s biggest assets as goodwill and their massive support, he added that in financial terms the main sources of income were gate receipts, sponsorship and hospitality events and revenue generated through the Supporters Club.
He said gate money last year generated €1.4m for the province; sponsorship brought in €750,000.
However, he said that out-goings were increasing and the overall cost of running Munster rugby now included domestic costs of €960,000, while the province’s Academy added another €250,000.
However, he maintained that all these things served to strengthen the game throughout the province and said there would be other new initiatives such as the appointment of a new domestic games manager and a new cadet players initiative.
The Munster chief executive said it was imperative a variety of new and potential revenue streams were either instigated or looked at.
“Things such as the book about the Heineken Cup triumph – ‘Road to Glory’ – or the new DVD – ‘The Brave and The Faithful’ – reflect this, while we are looking into setting up a Munster Supporters Club in America,” he said.
The Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis hosts the second briefing today at 8 am. Entry is by pre-paid ticket.
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