World Rugby Cup

The next Rugby World Cup is two-and-a-half years away but it is suddenly looming large for the Welsh after a run of eight losses in its last 13 internationals, two of which have come in the Six Nations against England and Scotland.

Wales has slumped to No 7 in the World Rugby rankings and could plunge to ninth place with losses to Ireland in Cardiff on Friday (Saturday NZ time) and in France on the final weekend. That would mean going into the draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in May out of the top-eight seeds and facing the prospect of playing two top rivals in the pool stage.

The consolidated financial results for the fourth year of World Rugby's 2013-16 business cycle saw the highest turnover in World Rugby's history and record rugby investment as rugby participation topped a record 7.73 million, almost double the figure at the start of the cycle.

The results demonstrate a higher than anticipated revenue of nearly £345 million.

The growth in revenues reflects improved broadcast and sponsorship markets for RWC 2015 and a higher tournament fee from the RFU.