Rugby union in England: How can financial sustainability be achieved?
- andrewgolding6
- Oct 21
- 1 min read
Plumley, D., Golding, A., & Wilson, R., (July, 2025). Rugby union in England: How can financial sustainability be achieved. Economic Observatory, Available at: Rugby union in England: how can financial sustainability be achieved? - Economics Observatory
Summary:
With clubs posting significant losses and a number going out of business, the future of rugby union in England is uncertain. Recent boosts in attendance and TV viewers offer promise, but significant structural changes to the sport are required – to governance, revenue and salaries.
Rugby union in England stands at a crossroads. The professional era, launched with optimism in 1995, has struggled to deliver a viable business model nearly three decades after its inception.
Recent years have seen several high-profile club collapses, mounting debts and a sector-wide dependency on wealthy benefactors. This article examines how rugby union could make the transition to a more financially sustainable future, drawing on insights from industry and academic work.
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