Page 4 - RFU Annual Report 2015/2016

President’s Foreword
02

Peter Baines
President

I am most grateful for the huge recently lost, among them Dani
honour of serving as RFU Serfontein, Peter Budge, Graham
President for the 2016/17 season. Cox, Brian Williams and John
I would like to pay tribute to my Douglas, an outstanding Council
predecessor, Jason Leonard, who member and a key Board member
during his Rugby World Cup for five years.
term of office attended some
50 Trophy Tour events and 26 They and many others epitomised
matches, and also immersed the values of our sport.
himself in the successful CBRE been quite staggering to realise the
All Schools programme. He also countless number of rugby people We are indeed fortunate in the
visited numerous clubs, counties, who freely give of themselves support rugby receives nationwide
schools and events, and presided for the good of the game. I look and, with the Union in great
over England’s Grand Slam. Jason forward over the coming months financial shape, we are well placed
remains a brilliant ambassador for to continue meeting and thanking to invest in and grow the game at
the game. them. every level.

During my vice presidency visiting I would also like to remember the It is a marvellous time to be
clubs, schools, and Constituent tremendous legacy left by those President.
Bodies throughout the land, it has from the rugby family that we have

Rugby union is played by a complete cross section
of the community,
with the RFU responsible for around
2.5 million enjoying rugby

2,000 rugby clubs

secondary schools
1,350 playing competitive rugby

colleges playing
110 competitive rugby

universities playing
130 competitive rugby

helped by a volunteer 60,000
workforce of more than

In the past year directly with clubs and in operating
the RFU invested £89.8m the English game at all levels. All
profits made by the RFU are invested
in the sport at every level.

Annual Report 2015/16