If regional rugby teams in Wales are in a mess, then Gallagher Premiership Rugby clubs are looking on rather sheepishly — most are classed as balance sheet insolvent. Sure, they can point to a higher attendance, arguably because it’s a better product, but a better business model? Probably not.
Well, if the point was to transfer value to shareholders, club rugby wouldn’t pass the test.
If in Wales, we are stakeholders — we certainly are not shareholders — then optimising our way out is redundant. School kids want games, connection, and something to believe in. Efficiency is for car engines, not communities.
McDonald’s makes burgers and funds grassroots sports. Shell extracts oil and sponsors environmental programs. The WRU wants to win rugby matches, make money on a Saturday, AND act as a charitable community fund.
Profit, performance, and development are three very different things. Just ask the majority of Premiership clubs that are balance sheet insolvent.