Millions reinvested in rugby across all levels as WRU announce record turnover

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced a record turnover of £64.2m in the last financial year, with just over £22m re-invested into rugby at all levels.

The figures have been announced in the WRU Group's Annual Report. Of the £22.6m reinvested into the game, £4m was paid into the community game, £1.4m into the Premiership and £17.2m into Regional Rugby. It's hoped the money will help promote and improve rugby throughout Wales.

"The financial results for the last year are a credit to everyone involved in Welsh rugby. We operate within an extremely competitive environment, but we are maintaining a level of turnover and financial return which enables us to continue re-investing funds where they are needed to grow the game in Wales...I want to thank our Executive, the Board and all our club officials, players, coaches and volunteers for the unstinting hard work and dedication they all have for Welsh rugby. I also want to thank Roger Lewis for all he has done in his nine years as Group Chief Executive and I know we all want to wish his successor, Martyn Phillips, good luck for the future."

Gareth Davies, WRU Chairman

During the year the WRU Group also invested £3.2m on capital projects at the Millennium Stadium, including the development of the new hybrid pitch suitable for both sporting and non-sporting events.

"I am pleased to be able to report that our financial performance is again robust enough to increase our level of re-investment into Welsh rugby. Our objective, as always, has been to maintain a robust level of re-investment into rugby at all levels in Wales and it is pleasing that we have again fully achieved that aim."

Steve Phillips, WRU Finance Director

The Group also concluded a new six year agreement with the four Welsh Regions in August last year, guaranteeing over £60m of direct funding in addition to them receiving all of the associated income generated from the competitions in which they play.

In return the Regions agreed to deliver a range of rugby services to the Group. At the heart of this agreement are National Dual Contracts, which so far twelve players including Rhys Webb and Samson Lee have signed.

"I am delighted to be able to announce such a strong financial position before I step aside from my role within the Group. The past year has yet again proved that our success is based on detailed planning aligned to a clear strategy and a focus and commitment on achieving success. The new relationship with the Regions and the introduction of National Dual Contracts for the first time in our history shows that Welsh rugby is focused on creating meaningful and long term success at all levels."

Roger Lewis, WRU Chief Executive