The South African Rugby Union (SARU) reported a group profit before taxation of R6.2 million for the year ended 31 December 2012 it was announced at the organisation’s Annual Meeting in Cape Town on Friday.
Group revenue rose to R689 million, up 15% from the 2011 level of R597 million, due mainly to an increase in income from broadcasting rights, sponsorships and home tests, which were typically depressed in the 2011 Rugby World Cup year.
That rise was offset by group operating expenditure, which increased by 20%, largely due to costs associated with the hosting of the Test match at FNB Stadium and the IRB Junior World Cup (6%), national teams (4%), development of the game (4%) and staffing costs (3%) following the operational restructuring in late 2011.
“The overall position remains reasonably healthy – despite the macroeconomic situation,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU.
“However, cash reserves (R10 million), are significantly lower than those of the previous year, due partly to an increase in loans and advances to and amounts receivable from provincial unions, and partly to non-recurring capital expenditure incurred mainly on the relocation to new premises.”
Roux added that SARU had budgeted for a modest rise in revenues in 2013, although there would be a commensurate increase in expenses.