Heineken Cup profits continue to rise

The future of the European Heineken Cup may remain up in the air but the tournament continues to be a bonanza for participating countries with revenues distributed to national unions and clubs rising by €1.28m to €45 million last year.

The 3% increase received coincided with Leinster securing its third European title when the presence of Joe Schmidt’s men and Ulster in the final secured an extra €2m for the IRFU.

Revenues set aside for Ireland are likely to be smaller this time around with Munster the only Irish representatives to make it through to the semi-final of the main tournament but the event’s worth to the game here and elsewhere remains abundantly clear.