Match Day Support The Key To Irish Rugby Remaining Competitive

Philip Browne, Chief Executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union, has underlined the importance of supporters attending games to allow teams to remain competitive at both provincial and international level

In the IRFU’s 2016/17 Annual Report, Philip Browne outlines the importance of generating revenue through ticket sales.

“Match day attendance figures this past season were very encouraging. New Zealand and Australia in the GUINNESS Series and our two RBS 6 Nations 2017 fixtures against France and England were all sell-outs, with the latter delivering record breaking numbers for official corporate hospitality,” he said.

“The match against Canada last November saw over 45,000 tickets sold for a second tier match which also represented another record for the Union.

“The Ireland team is the main generator of income for the Union between ticket sales, broadcasting revenue, hospitality and prize money. As there are only five or six home internationals a year, it is important that we maximise the revenue from each fixture. Ticket sales are vital and that revenue helps to fund investment in the underage and domestic game as well as the professional game.”

Last year Browne called on the provinces to increase their gate revenues and following an upturn in competitiveness in both European and domestic competitions, the provinces have seen growth in their ticket revenue during 2016/17.

“In order to remain competitive with our neighbours in the UK and France, the provinces must maximise their ticketing revenue and make their games as attractive to supporters as possible. 

“The provinces are making progress on the field in terms of offering competitive well-coached sides playing attractive rugby and fan support over the past season has been strong but there is room for growth,” he added.

IRFU 2016/17 Annual Report