PRL requests RFU to consider more points

By Staff
March 28 2007

More Guns

Premier Rugby has today communicated six additional findings to the RFU which the Clubs would like to see added to the existing findings of 'The Way Forward'.

The full list of findings is contained on www.guinnesspremiership.com
In summary, the main findings from research collated by the Premiership Clubs, is as follows. Additional information in support of these is contained in the attached document:
• Other systems across the world may be coming under financial pressure.
Revenues fell last year in New Zealand and they are forecasting losses for the years 2006-2011, leading them to conclude "The NZRFU's ability to fund PUs (Provincial Unions) is constrained by its overall financial position, which is expected to deteriorate over the next three to five years". (source, NZRFU Provincial Union Funding Review July 2006)
• The RFU invest less than other leading sports in their professional game.
The Football Association invest £34m in their professional structure; 15% of their revenue (source, Burns Report), whilst the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) invest £24m in their professional structure; 30% of their revenue (source, ECB Report and Accounts).
The RFU invests £9m (gross) into the professional game in England, just 10% of their revenue (source, RFU 'The Way Forward').
Premier Rugby Chief Executive Mark McCafferty added, "We have today written to the RFU and asked that these additional findings be included in 'The Way Forward'.
As the RFU present 'The Way Forward' findings around the country, it is vital that all facts are presented, so the game can debate a structure that is suitable specifically for England.
Currently, the RFU investment in the professional game is good value; relatively lower than centralised rugby systems in other countries and lower than other major English sports."