Scottish Rugby will confirm turnover has topped the £50 million mark

Scottish Rugby’s annual meeting will hear at BT Murrayfield today that the £50 million turnover mark has been broken for the first time.

Increases in ticketing revenue, achieved through three sell-out RBS Six Nations matches in 2017 and growing crowds at other matches, improved broadcast rights payments and continued commercial growth from sponsors all contributed to creating a £4m increase in turnover to £51.4m from the 2016 accounts.

Scotland’s rose to fifth in the world rankings with seven victories from 11 internationals last season underpinning the landmark turnover figure and supported by improved performances by Scotland 7s, Scotland Women and Scotland U20s.

Nearly 600,000 fans watched an international or professional club game in Scotland last season which in turn led to a 25% rise in ticketing revenue, compared to the last non-Rugby World Cup year 2014-15, and a 22% rise in broadcast rights income.

A surplus of £1.7m was achieved in the 2016-2017 financial year and a £3.3m fall in the average debt, which was reported at £5.2m.

Investment into club support and development was £2.8m, alongside additional revenues for the domestic game from sportscotland and the government’s cashback for communities scheme.

Scotland’s two professional teams have also seen growth in key areas.

Glasgow sold a record 4,839 season tickets and welcomed a record 101,889 fans to Scotstoun last season while Edinburgh Rugby increased its commercial revenues by 24% and welcomed six new sponsors.