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IRFU reports record revenues for 2018/19... but they also issue Brexit warning
By Online Editors
Irish Rugby has grown its revenues to a record €87.5million for the 2018/19 year, an increase of €1.8m on the corresponding period last year.
The increased revenue resulted from the sale of additional 10-year tickets and corporate boxes together with an increase in PRO14 revenues which has been passed on to the provincial teams.
The men’s international game now accounts for 81 per cent of all IRFU revenues through ticket sales hospitality, sponsorship and amortised income.
When added to the 15 per cent generated by PRO14 and EPCR this results in 96 per cent of the Union’s revenues being attributable to the men’s professional game.
The net revenues from the professional game were allocated across the entire game, with increases to domestic game funding, women’s rugby, values-based initiatives through the Spirit of Rugby Programme, and the promotion of the game, particularly on driving attendance to this year’s Women’s Six Nations games.
As reported earlier this year, the IRFU, who will be hoping for unprecedented success at the World Cup in Japan, also netted just over €24m from the sale of land at Newlands Cross. The Union has agreed that the net proceeds of this sale are to be applied for the benefit of the domestic game.
CEO Philip Browne said: “We are pleased to report strong revenues for the 2018/19 financial year.
“As we move to implementing our latest strategic plan, entitled Building Success, Together, which includes ambitious plans for the development of our women’s game, we rely heavily on the revenues generated by the senior men’s team.
“These revenues come from loyal supporters, partners and Sport Ireland, who provide the funding for the development of every aspect of the game. We are extremely grateful for such support.
“With the impact of Brexit still unknown, the future for all businesses is uncertain. We must continue to govern the game in a prudent and responsible manner.
"In that respect, we must ensure the revenues received from the Newlands sale continue to deliver an income that can be spent on our on-going grassroots programmes.”
WATCH: Assistant Simon Easterby delivers the latest update from Limerick on Ireland's World Cup preparations
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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