Welsh Rugby Union reveal £58.5m record turnover

The Welsh Rugby Union Group have revealed increased pre-tax profits of £27.6m last year after registering a record £58.5m turnover.

The 2010 annual report shows the WRU's profits rose from £24.5m, their total income up 18%, helped by eight Millennium Stadium internationals.

The WRU also report that their bank debt has been reduced to £26.7m.

"There are exciting and challenging times ahead," said WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis.

The WRU ploughed £20m directly back into the game.

Their four professional regions - the Ospreys, Llanelli Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Dragons - received a combined total of £14.2m while £1.3m were awarded to the semi-professional Premiership clubs.

The community game was allocated £4.5m, including a one-off investment of £1m in rugby equipment.

And the union have have extended their property portfolio in Cardiff.

And a £2.3m investment covered the acquisition of the lease for the Cardiff Arms pub, improvements to the stadium and projects covering the WRU's new centre of excellence.

"I am delighted at the success we have again achieved against the backdrop of an economic environment which remains challenging," continued Lewis.

"We have been able to grow the business in terms of income and this has allowed us to make radical and forward looking decisions which will benefit the future of the game in Wales.

"We have to have a strong community game to deliver the supporters and players who fill the Millennium Stadium to follow our national teams.

The WRU has secured broadcasting contracts with the BBC, BBC Wales and S4C while it recently agreed a new shirt sponsorship deal with Admiral insurance.