The 2013 Rugby League World Cup generated a profit of more than STG3.7 million ($A6.7 million), organisers said on Monday.
Tournament director Nigel Wood told a press conference that the event delivered on all its pre-tournament ambitions and has provided a lasting legacy for the sport.
“We believe that the success factors identified before the opening game were comprehensively delivered against,” Wood said.
“When the audit is complete, we will be reporting a profit in excess of STG3.7 million ($A6.7 million) from a turnover north of STG15 million ($A27.18 million), which will be passed to the International Federation to take the game forward.”
It is expected that the final figure will enable the Rugby Football League to double the profit of STG2 million ($A3.62 million) generated by the 2008 World Cup.
The 2013 tournament drew an aggregate crowd of 458,463, including an international record attendance of 74,468 for the final between Australia and New Zealand at Old Trafford, won 30-2 by Australia.
Organisers reported eight sell-outs and eight stadium record crowds for rugby league matches.
HARRY HOPWORTHY
Guest
The 2013 Rugby League World Cup was a marvellous event for the international game. There's now sufficient funding to set up an office and full-time Chief-Executive and staff to run international Rugby League. No matter what some Australians think, it's the national side that sits at the top of that sports pyramid. I will not follow any game that does not have at least some international competition.
Gregg
Guest
It was a fantastic world cup and if it was any other sport it would of got more recognition however for some reason RL fans/media love bagging there own sport. I went over to England and France for the RLWC and it was so much bigger over there, the pommies don't understand why the Aussies do not seem to want the International game to grow, while the big London papers/media were saying what a wonderful tournament it has been, you had the Sydney papers and journos such as Phil "negative" Rothfield bagging it at every opportunity. RL is so strong in Aust and we really need to get behind the international game as it is the way to grow the game. The profit is a good one which will hopefully set up a full-time RLIF with a proper organised 4 year cycle and help develop countries even more, they need to get France,PNG and the pacific islands up to that next stage and RL will then really have a great international game.
Kevin
Guest
Said!!
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Some interesting statistics in the full report: http://www.rlwc2013.com/~media/docs_rlwc/RLWC%20Report%20Doc_NPV3LR.pdf
Scrubbit
Guest
Also considering that we pretty much all knew what was going to be the result I'd say any profit would make it worth it if it promotes rugby league as well.
Alvin Purple
Guest
Steve - the profit represents 24.65% of revenue. Not sure what businesses you run but this is a outstanding result from my experience. Never know you may be able to put your hand up next time and show them where they went wrong.
Steve
Guest
The structure of the world cup needs to change. The international game can't thrive let alone survive with a world cup that makes $7 million every 4 years. A tournament that had over 450,000 people through the gates should have made more money than that. Time to employ somebody that knows what they are doing.
llieno
Roar Rookie
Pretty good result I'd say. Anyone know when the RLIF 2013 annual report is being released?