Irb Announces Record Funding Levels

The IRB has unveiled an increase in the monies invested into developing
international rugby union with a record £22 million to be distributed across its
115 member unions in 2007.

The new figure marks a significant rise in funding for the sport compared to
the £12 million distributed in 2005, emphasising the increasing commercial power
of the sport.

Commented IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar: ‘The funding will be invested in an
increased number of exciting initiatives with £6.3 million allocated for
development programmes, £5.5 million for regional and IRB Tournament structures
and the balance of just over £10 million being invested in ongoing strategic
initiatives that form part of the three-year £30 million global strategic
investment programme launched in August 2005.’

Annual grants for development programmes and union infrastructure initiatives
for all 115 IRB Member Unions and the six Regional Associations will increase to
£6.3 million in 2007 and include a number of new initiatives aimed at aiding the
growth of the game both on and off the pitch.

Regional tournaments will benefit from increased investment in 2007.
Following a detailed review funding will be increased to £5.5 million across all
six regions to help subsidise a raft of key Regional and IRB tournaments that
provide Unions with access to regular high level competition which is necessary
for player development.