RFU post revenue rise amid Rugby World Cup fever but bosses wary of ‘challenges facing the game’
The RFU have published their full report for the year
The RFU, the governing body of rugby union in England, have posted a revenue increase of £53 million, with their full annual report now published.
The new figure of £228 million, up from last year’s total of £175 million, is the second-highest in the Union’s history, only behind the Men’s home World Cup year (2015/2016), and represents a 30% year-on-year increase.
It also comes in the wake of the successful home Women’s Rugby World Cup, which ended with a sellout 82,000 crowd at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
‘We remain on track to significantly reduce losses across this cycle’
As well as posting a substantial increase in overall revenue, the RFU also recorded an underlying profit of £8 million, while also seeing cash and short-term deposits increase from £59 million to £71.1 million.
The RFU have also invested over £93.9 million into the game, with £62.7 million going to the professional game and £31.2 million to the community game.
Commenting, RFU chief financial officer, Francesca Pierce, said: “This year marks an improvement in financial performance, and we remain on track to significantly reduce losses across this cycle compared with the last.
“In this first year of our new four-year cycle, a positive start is key as we know the fourth year always brings substantial losses. This is even more important, given rising cost pressures and the wider consumer backdrop.”
However, they have posted a net loss of £1.9 million, which the governing body put down to their ‘inability to fully commercialise its own rights in a men’s World Cup year, with the revenue distributed to unions for participating in the tournament typically below market value’. This figure is also a huge change from the recorded £42 million loss last year.
“We are mindful of the challenges facing the game and sustained revenue growth combined with responsible cost management is essential,” Pierce added. “That’s why we’re investing in the women’s game, accelerating digital transformation, and working to broaden our stadium income through additional events.
“These are deliberate, long-term choices that will strengthen our financial position and ensure we can continue to invest in rugby at every level for years to come.”
‘This has been a year of progress amid challenges’
Performance-wise, the RFU have also reported fresh improvements. The Red Roses clinched a famous World Cup title on home soil, accompanying their Six Nations title from earlier in the year, while the Men’s side have just finished an unbeaten Autumn Nations Series campaign and are in the midst of an 11-Test winning run.
Participation across the country has also returned to pre-pandemic levels, while the new T1 Rugby format has reached over 1,800 schools.
“This has been a year of progress amid challenges,” said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney. “We’ve made genuine advances on and off the field, yet we know parts of the game remain under real pressure. The recovery of the community game, the resilience of our clubs, and the engagement we’ve seen through our roadshows show what’s possible when we listen and act together.
“The success of the Red Roses and Rugby World Cup 2025 is a powerful springboard to inspire the next generation, and the England men’s team continue to build as they work through their World Cup cycle. There is plenty to be positive about while being clear-eyed about the challenges ahead.”
The report also acknowledges the need to rebuild trust between the union, community clubs and other stakeholders, following a rollercoaster year for the senior leadership.
“This has been a year of progress and reflection,” said RFU chair Sir James Wates.
“We’ve worked hard to strengthen trust, build dialogue, and ensure rugby remains united and sustainable. The growth of the women’s game, the resilience of our community clubs, and renewed stability across the Union give us confidence for the years ahead.”