World Rugby reveals record £345m annual revenue

World Rugby said it now expected to put £245.8-million into the game in the next four-year cycle to 2020, surpassing by 22 percent the £201-million investment for the preceding 2013-16 period.

The results showed a profit for the year £189.5-million, with all funds received from the World Cup to be reinvested in the game through various programmes organised by World Rugby, rugby union's global governing body.

Meanwhile rugby participation topped a record 7.73 million, almost double the figure at the start of the cycle.

"Rugby continues to experience record global participation growth," said World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont.

The former England captain added: "These record financial results will underpin our game-wide investment programme that is a proven catalyst for year on year participation increases and will ensure that we can build a strong and sustainable global game in partnership with our unions and regional associations."

Agence France-Presse