Rugby Football Union chiefs have announced a record set of results for the last financial year.
The RFU made a pre-tax profit of £6.3million for the year ending June 30, 2005, after reporting a £100,000 loss in 2003/04.
A record £23.2million operating profit – up 52% on the previous year – also highlights the figures, which enabled the RFU to distribute £18.9million to member clubs and constituent bodies.
The RFU now has a net worth of £105.5million, ahead of constructing a new South Stand at Twickenham, with initial work already underway.
Revenue, meanwhile, increased from £72.3million to £84.8million due to growth in ticket, broadcasting, sponsorship and hospitality income, with cash balances showing an £11.4million rise, while costs went up from £57million to £61.6million.
"Following the losses inevitably incurred last year due to the impact of the 2003 Rugby World Cup on the match programme and the costs of the senior team, the Union returned to profitability in 2004/05 with a solid financial performance on most fronts," said RFU financial director Nick Eastwood.
"We have continued to strengthen our balance sheet with consolidated net worth increasing by £14.1million from £91.4million to £105.5million, and year-end cash balances standing at £43.8million.
"This gives us a solid foundation from which to undertake the construction and financing of the South Stand project, and 2005/06 will see very significant capital expenditure on the project."
RFU chief executive Francis Baron added: "We have been able to distribute a record amount of £18.9million to member clubs, an increase of 16% on last year.
"In addition, the Rugby Football Foundation has invested £1.6million in club development projects, £1.2million in the form of interest-free loans and £400,000 as grants, and a further £7million has been raised from other sources for investment in the community game."
