RFU report 30% rise in total revenue for 2024/25

The RFU’s 102-page annual report and accounts for 2024/25 has revealed a £53 million year-on-year increase in revenue.

Hosting more England internationals, an improved sponsorship portfolio and a higher value broadcast deal helped to boost central revenue from £175m in 2023/24 to £228m in the financial year just gone.

This marks the second-highest revenue in the union’s history, behind only the home Men’s Rugby World Cup year (2015/16), when England became the first host nation to exit the tournament at the pool stages.

Around 40% of the revenue (£93.9m) was reinvested in rugby, to support and drive grassroots participation, promote the appeal of England’s top men’s and women’s domestic competitions, and support international teams.

Despite a high percentage of walkover matches at grassroots level due to the inability of clubs to field teams in the men’s senior 15s game, the RFU say overall participation levels have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with the much-trumpeted, non-contact form of the game, T1, taking off in 1,800 schools.

After a post-RWC 2023 loss, the RFU recorded a small net loss to reserves of £1.9m, compared with a £42m loss in 2023/24. But underlying profit was £8m. The RFU is free of any bank debt.

RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney’s salary and bonuses fell to £702,000, with overall wages and salaries fractionally down from £37.5m to £37.2m. The average monthly number of direct employees was cut by 19 to 614.

Aware of an over reliance on ticket sales and matchday hospitality for revenue, the RFU stated their desire to push on with hosting more non-rugby related events, while reaffirming their commitment to upgrading facilities at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, including the installation of a new pitch.

“This has been a year of progress amid challenges. 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,” said Sweeney.

“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.”