THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has reported a £7.5m loss for the financial year ending June 2024, despite strong revenues from high-profile events at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, including concerts by Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen.

The WRU’s turnover climbed to £102.7m, marking a second consecutive year of growth. This included a £4.7m boost from matches and stadium-hosted events. However, rising costs—driven by lingering Covid-19 impacts, inflation, and significant spending on the men’s Rugby World Cup and women’s rugby—pushed total expenses to £75.1m, up from £67m the previous year.

Revenue grows, challenges persist

Although Wales missed hosting autumn internationals in 2023 due to the Rugby World Cup, the summer calendar included friendlies, a match against the Barbarians, and live performances from global music stars such as Pink and the Foo Fighters. The Principality Stadium also marked its 25th anniversary in June with a series of celebrations.

Despite the increased turnover, the WRU recorded its second successive annual loss, following a £4.8m deficit in 2023. This reverses a positive £3m profit posted in 2022.

Off-field turmoil adds pressure

The union has faced criticism off the pitch, admitting to “serious failings” in managing contract negotiations with the women’s national team over the summer. On the pitch, the men’s team, coached by Warren Gatland, is enduring a record-breaking 12-game losing streak. In addition, women’s head coach Ioan Cunningham stepped down earlier this month.

Regional funding also saw a drop, falling from £35.5m to £28.7m, and the Dragons rugby team returned to private ownership in July 2023. Despite this, the WRU highlighted its investment of £60m into rugby across Wales, supporting development at all levels of the game.

Eyes on stability and sustainability

Chief executive Abi Tierney, who took over in January, presented the WRU’s annual report during a general meeting on Sunday in the Vale of Glamorgan. Tierney acknowledged the financial hurdles but reaffirmed the union’s focus on building a stable and sustainable future for Welsh rugby.

“This year’s annual report comes at a time of challenges but also great potential,” Tierney said. “Financial stability remains central to our strategy, ensuring we can reinvest in the game and support its growth across all levels.”

While the WRU faces a tough financial landscape, it remains committed to navigating these challenges and backing the sport’s development.

THE PEMBROKESHIRE Second Division season is heating up, with fierce competition at both ends of the table as teams fight for promotion and survival.

At the summit, Hakin United FC Reserves lead the pack with 31 points from 14 games. Their consistency, bolstered by a strong +35 goal difference, has set them apart. Their impressive form (5 wins in their last 5) marks them as the frontrunners in the title race.

Chasing closely in second and third are Narberth AFC and Camrose AFC, with 29 and 28 points respectively. Narberth’s resolute defense and clinical attack have made them strong contenders, while Camrose’s high-scoring games keep them within striking distance despite a recent slip-up.

Fishguard Sports sit fourth with 24 points from 10 games, boasting the best goal difference in the league (+42). With games in hand, they could potentially challenge the top three if they maintain their form.

Merlins Bridge FC 2nd Team and Neyland FC, in fifth and sixth with 21 and 20 points respectively, have seen mixed fortunes this season. While Merlins Bridge have been inconsistent, Neyland’s recent upturn in form could push them further up the table as the season progresses.

The lower half of the table paints a different story. Johnston AFC, in seventh with 15 points, appear relatively safe for now, but the gap between them and the relegation-threatened teams isn’t insurmountable.

Solva AFC, Monkton Swifts FC Reserves, and Carew AFC Reserves are in a tough battle to escape the relegation zone, with 11, 10, and 8 points respectively. All three teams have struggled defensively, making it difficult to put together consistent performances.

At the bottom, Lawrenny AFC and Broad Haven FC are in dire straits. Lawrenny have 8 points but have been unable to find form recently, while Broad Haven remain rooted to the foot of the table with just 3 points and a woeful -45 goal difference. Broad Haven will need a dramatic turnaround to salvage their season.

With promotion spots tightly contested and the relegation battle intensifying, the Pembrokeshire Second Division promises plenty of drama in the weeks ahead. Every point will count as teams push to achieve their goals in this competitive league.

AS WALES look to take-on the Republic of Ireland in the Play-off final for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, viewers and listeners can follow all the action on the BBC. Rhian Wilkinson’s team will embark on arguably the most important fixtures in their history as they look to secure qualification for their first major tournament.

The first leg on Friday, 29 November at the Cardiff City Stadium is live on BBC One Wales, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru, all from 7pm.

The second leg at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Tuesday, 3 December will be broadcast live on BBC One Wales and BBC Three from 7.15pm. On radio there will be live commentary on radio Wales Sport and Chwaraeon Radio Cymru from 7pm.

Reflecting on the coverage of the matches over the next few days Cymru Head Coach Rhian Wilkinson said: “As the oft used saying goes, you cannot be what you cannot see, and that’s the gap the Welsh Women’s national Team fill when they play at home and when they are given prime viewership time on our televisions. These women have punched above their weight for a decade, a team that runs on pride and passion for their country, a team that knows nothing but giving their all for their flag.

“These women will not only step out onto the field at Cardiff City Stadium to take a step closer to making history in qualifying for Euro 2025, but will also once again be the face of what might be for so many young Welsh women. Their faces, their pride, front and centre on Welsh TVs. These women are the heroines of a generation on women here in Wales, building a pathway and a normalcy for female sporting excellence in this great country of ours.”

Broadcast details:

29 November, (ko) 7.15pm. Wales v Republic of Ireland (first leg)

Match Of The Day Wales, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer from 7pm

Radio Wales Sport and Chwaraeon Radio Cymru from 7pm

3 December, (ko) 7.30pm. Republic of Ireland v Wales (second leg)

BBC One Wales, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer from 7.15pm

Radio Wales Sport and Chwaraeon Radio Cymru from 7pm