RFU reports revenue decline amid strategic investments

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has released its financial results for 2024, reflecting a year of revenue challenges due to fewer home games and the Rugby World Cup.

Despite these setbacks, the RFU emphasized its continued commitment to strategic investments across all levels of the sport.

Financial Overview

The RFU reported revenues of £175.2 million for the year, a significant decline from £221.4 million in the previous year. The drop was attributed to fewer home Six Nations matches and no men’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures, leading to decreases in ticket sales (£25.4m), catering and hospitality (£22m), and broadcast revenues (£6.4m).

An operating loss of £37.9 million was recorded compared to a £4 million profit the prior year, with a £34.4 million underlying loss to reserves. Inflation and reduced broadcast and sponsorship income further compounded the financial strain.

Investment in Rugby

Despite these challenges, the RFU maintained significant investments in rugby:

• Community Rugby: £30.5m was invested to stabilize participation post-COVID, with player registrations showing a 16% increase for boys and 10% for girls.
• Professional Rugby: £28.7m supported England teams, up from £25.5m the previous year. An additional £24.9m was allocated to professional men’s and women’s clubs.
• Strategic Growth Fund: £7.6m was directed toward projects including digital transformation, commercialization of the women’s game, and stadium redevelopment.
• Achievements on the Field

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney highlighted several key accomplishments:

Women’s Rugby: The Red Roses secured their third consecutive Grand Slam and won the inaugural WXV tournament under head coach John Mitchell. Record attendances of 58,000 and 48,000 were noted at Allianz Stadium.

Men’s Rugby: England placed third in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. While the Autumn Nations Series results were disappointing, the RFU expressed optimism about emerging young talent, especially following England’s U20 Championship win against France.

Looking Ahead

With preparations for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup underway, the RFU’s Impact ’25 program has already committed £12.13m to grow women’s rugby. Community rugby remains a priority, with over £3m invested in 655 clubs and funding for 1,200 female coaches and officials.

The RFU also highlighted its partnership with Allianz, which has committed long-term investment aimed at supporting both elite teams and community rugby initiatives.

Chair of the RFU Board, Tom Ilube, expressed confidence in the organization’s resilience: “The Rugby World Cup revenue impacts were anticipated and planned for. This has enabled us to continue investing strategically in the game at all levels with confidence.”