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RFU Posts Revenue Rebound to £228m, Halts Controversial Bonus Plan

A fuller Twickenham schedule drove cash gains despite a small loss from heavy reinvestment.

Overview

  • The annual report shows income up to £228m in 2024/25, the union’s second‑highest on record outside the 2015/16 World Cup year.
  • Underlying profit reached £8m with cash rising to about £71m, yet the RFU recorded a £1.9m loss to reserves after £94m was reinvested, including £31m+ for the community game.
  • The long‑term incentive plan has been scrapped with no immediate replacement planned, and CEO Bill Sweeney’s pay fell to roughly £702,000 after he declined a general 3% rise.
  • Cost controls included about 40 redundancies, overall wage costs edged down, and the RFU reported it is free of bank debt.
  • Seven home men’s internationals and improved sponsorship and broadcast deals boosted revenue, as the Allianz Stadium naming‑rights deal and a proposed redevelopment exceeding £600m hinge on permission for more non‑rugby events.