RFU losses down to £2m after ‘year of progress’

In its most recent financial statements, The Rugby Football Union reported a £228 million increase over the previous 10-year high in revenue, but the company only suffered a small overall loss of almost £2 million.

This is a significant improvement over the £42 million loss from 2023-2024, which sparked a racial outcry that threatened the position of chief executive Bill Sweeney.

Sweeney’s salary is $ 700,000, which includes a bonus, but not the long-term incentive plan (LTIP) scheme, which was so content this time last year when he earned total of £1.1 million.

“This year has been a year of progress despite challenges,” Sweeney claimed.

“We’ve made genuine advances both on and off the field,” says the manager. “We know some areas of the game are still under real pressure.”

The most recent accounts, which cover June 2024 to June 2025, show the first year of a four-year cycle, with the addition of seven home men’s internationals during that time.

The home men’s rugby world cup year in 2015-2016 saw the highest revenues in RFU history, behind only the second-highest total revenues ever.

A positive start is essential in the first year of our new four-year cycle, according to Francesca Pierce, chief financial officer of RFU.

Given the rising cost pressures and the wider consumer environment, “this is even more significant.”

The RFU claims that World Rugby and the RFU are in discussions to review the revenue model for men’s “rugby World Cup” years, calling it “a recognized challenge across the game.”

Meanwhile, the RFU report explains how the sport continues to face financial strains, including high costs associated with matchday events and increased reliance on ticket sales.

The “essential long-term project” that is estimated to cost more than £650 million is also high on the agenda.