SRU reveals turnover is up to record high of £39m

Murrayfield chief executive Mark Dodson has also revealed that the governing body’s year-end debt is down to £11.2m – the lowest figure in more than a decade. The SRU achieved a surplus of £900,000 in the year to 30 April while Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow were watched by crowds totalling more than 500,000 at venues including Murrayfield, Scotstoun and Pittodrie. The details were made public as the SRU hosts its Annual General Meeting at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh today.

Dodson said: “By attracting more supporters to our game we have encouraged further investment over the past 12 months, no mean feat in challenging financial times. We have welcomed a number of new sponsors, while commercial partnerships have been developed. We have also agreed the biggest single sponsorship deal in the history of Scottish Rugby, with our new kit partner, Macron.”

Dodson also highlighted the improved performance of the national side during the RBS Six Nations.

Interim head coach Scott Johnson led the side to joint third after beating both Italy and Ireland, helping to record the Scots’ highest position for seven years. Johnson is due to be replaced as head coach by Clermont Auvergne boss Vern Cotter next June.

Meanwhile, the SRU has secured extra sponsorship support after tying up deals with Caledonia Best, The Famous Grouse and Dove Men+Care. A significant four-year deal has also been agreed with Macron to become the new official kit supplier for all Scotland teams along with Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors – who are both owned by the SRU.

Glasgow moved to their new home at Scotstoun and on the pitch qualified for the RaboDirect Pro12 play-offs for the second consecutive year.

Under new head coach Gregor Townsend, the team scored the highest number of tries in the league and made a number of significant signings, including Sean Maitland, Niko Matawalu and Josh Strauss, to complement a squad full of home-grown talent. However, results at Edinburgh were disappointing and coach Michael Bradley stepped down as the side struggled to tenth place in the Pro12.

Dodson added: “We have been very encouraged by the progress made by Glasgow Warriors over the last season. They now have a new coach, a new home and increased revenue through sponsorship and ticket sales.

“Clearly results from Edinburgh were disappointing and we have already taken, and will continue to take, all the steps necessary to reverse that.”