“The Rugby World Cup plays an important part in the development of world Rugby as it provides the financial platform for the global growth of the Game. Annual investment in infrastructure, strategic initiatives, development programmes and Tournament structures designed to increase the competitiveness of the Game around the world is indeed underwritten by the financial success of the Tournament,” said IRB Chairman, Dr Syd Millar.
“Investment in development programmes, strategic initiatives and Regional and IRB Tournaments has gown significantly from £12 million in 2005 to £22 million being allocated for investment across all Member Unions in 2007. This significant figure further highlights the IRB’s continued commitment to the development of the Game worldwide.”
“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,” added Dr Millar.
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.
