Page 10 - RFU Annual Report 2015/2016

Chief Executive Officer
08

Twickenham was in The spread ensured From the start of
World Cup mode a truly nationwide June to the end
and, with a month celebration of of October, the
to go, we opened rugby, reaching new Festival of Rugby
the England audiences as well as the game’s initiative was a big
captain’s run to staff traditional family. success, with 1,000 different
and Twickenham rugby-themed events. Highlights
residents, an important Nobody can have missed the included the International Defence
blue and yellow uniform of The
first as engagement with the Pack of 6,000 volunteers, some Rugby Competition and the
neighbours throughout Rugby experienced rugby volunteers, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby
World Cup was clearly essential. some new to the rugby community Community Festival.
and from the general public, The Rugby World Cup served as
At the O2, 14,500 fans enjoyed maximising the opportunity to
the England Rugby Send Off, welcome new people to rugby. a fantastic shop window as we
Wear the Rose Live. And the RFU hosted what is officially the biggest
hosted a welcome event for the They played a hugely important and best Rugby World Cup
rugby community in the Foreign part in delivering the tournament. in history.
and Commonwealth Office,
highlighting our legacy work and Over 2.47 million tickets were
the wider impact of hosting the sold across all 48 matches, with
world tournament. Among the an average of 98% of tickets sold
guests were the Prime Minister across all venues.
and Prince Harry.
The tournament
fully delivered on its
financial objectives,
generating over £275 million in
ticket revenues, some £93 million
surplus to World Rugby, and a £26
million surplus to the RFU to be
invested in the development
of rugby.

Our thanks go to Steve Brown and
his team at England Rugby 2015,
who deserve a huge amount of
credit for what they delivered.
Steve Grainger and his team
worked tremendously hard, and
continue to do so, to translate this
into a lasting legacy and increased
participation.
CBRE All Schools had by now
reached the 400 schools milestone
and the aim now is for 750 CBRE Of course, there
All Schools by Rugby World Cup More than a million was deep
2019. disappointment
people visited the at England’s early
By September 18, our host cities 15 official Rugby exit from the
and match venues were ready to World Cup Fanzones
put on a world-class event. In total, showcasing each city, from tournament.
25 matches were Brighton on the opening weekend
played in dedicated to the live screening of the final But the quality of rugby and the
values and sportsmanship stood
rugby venues, seven in Trafalgar Square. Crowds came out, with New Zealand worthy
in multi-event stadia to watch the rugby on big screens winners. The South Africa v
and 16 in football and soak up the atmosphere, and Japan upset in Brighton saw great
rugby-focussed activities also
venues. saw hundreds signing up to RFU respect on both sides, and it was
the same for England and our
coaching and refereeing courses. supporters after the Wales match
at Twickenham.

Annual Report 2015/16