At the IRFU Council meeting recently in the Aviva Stadium the Hon. Treasurer Tom Grace reported that the Union had achieved a surplus of €1.7m for the season 2009/10, which is a slight reduction in the surplus reported at the end of the previous season.

Grace said, “This surplus, as was the case the previous season, is due to the increased revenues arising from the success of Irish teams at both national and provincial level. Revenues improved by €2.1m overall to €59.1m with income from international matches recording an increase of €3.5m. This is due largely to the impact of the new Six Nations broadcasting contracts, underlining the vital importance of unfettered broadcasting partnerships to the well being of the game at all levels in Ireland, with the balance of the increase made up of the additional six nations match less the reduction in ticket prices.”

“Commercial income also rose by €900k, thanks mainly to the new partnerships with our official kit supplier Puma as well as commercial revenues connected to the Grand Slam success last season. The negative side saw ground advertising reduced, indicating the precarious economic environment and how it can affect the Union’s finances.”

While the Union reported a surplus this year, the increase in costs overall was €2.5m to €57.5m. The costs associated with the professional game, primarily match and professional team costs saw an increase from €32 to €35m. In line with this increase, the investment in domestic and community rugby was in excess of €11m, reflecting the Union’s intent to continue to invest in the future of Irish Rugby, in addition to the much valued funding of the government through the Irish Sports Council.

In respect of the balance sheet, Grace said, “The Union continue to contribute into the Aviva Stadium and the cash balances have been reduced to €1m (from €38m 2009/10) as part of this commitment. To date the Union has invested over €70m this year into the Aviva Stadium and this remains in line with the Union’s long term financial plan.”

In summing up, Grace said, “While it is satisfying to be able to report a surplus, especially given the recessionary times we live in, this primarily reflects the performance of the Irish teams. There are numerous risks to which the Union’s revenues and costs are exposed and the management of these risks is kept under constant review. That said I am pleased to be able to report that the Union remains on track to meet its medium and long term financial goals.”

See next months issue of Emerald Rugby Magazine for an indepth analysis