Tournament delivers £80m rugby boost

Rugby is today preparing for an £80 million windfall with the World Cup being hailed an “outstanding success” by organisers.

A statement in the wake of host nation New Zealand’s 8-7 final win over France said: “Revenues from the commercial programme, including broadcast, sponsorship and travel and hospitality will deliver an estimated £80 million net surplus boost to the game.

“Rugby World Cup accounts for 95 per cent of the International Rugby Board revenues. In the 2009-2012 investment cycle the global governing body is investing £150m to develop and grow the game around the world.”

An independent study commissioned by MasterCard indicates the event is due to deliver NZ$750m (£250m) in direct economic benefits for New Zealand and over NZD$2 billion long-term benefits.