Respite for England RFU with record €10m profit

ENGLAND’S RFU were last night offered some respite from the chaos that has engulfed Twickenham by posting a record financial performance of £8.7m (€10m) profit.

Revenue for the year from July 1 2010 to June 30 2011 increased by £24.3m (€28.1m) from £112m (€129.6m) to £136.3m (€157.7m).

Operating profit for the year was £40.6m (€46.9m), an increase of £14.8m (€16.4m) on the profit of £25.8m (€29.8m) recorded for 2009/10.

The retained profit for the year was £8.7m (€10m) compared to a retained loss of £1.1m (€1.2m) in 2009/10.

The growth is mainly driven by the match programme with increases also witnessed in most other revenue streams, especially broadcasting, sponsorship and hospitality.

“In a year which presented many challenges, this is a significant achievement,” said acting chief executive Martyn Thomas. “The RFU’s record revenues mean that the game benefits because although the union works to maximise profits, unlike a PLC we then invest this in the sport.

“These results put us in a very strong position for the lead-up to Rugby World Cup 2015 which will bring a unique opportunity to grow the game nationwide, while creating a lasting legacy.”

Any comfort taken from the balance sheet will be only fleeting as the RFU continue their mission to reverse the upheaval that has transformed them into a laughing stock. Martin Johnson’s resignation as England manager last week following a disappointing and controversial World Cup has placed the national team in limbo.

The RFU are also searching for a new chief executive, while director of elite rugby Rob Andrew has been strongly criticised for his refusal to step down after presiding over the demise of three England coaches.

For all the setbacks on and off the field, however, the RFU have managed to remain in robust financial health.

“The results are reflective of a solid financial and commercial base embedded over the past few years,” chief financial officer Stephen Brown added.