Gloucester Rugby Tackles Financial Losses

Gloucester Rugby, despite holding a strong fourth-place position in the Premiership and notable on-field success, has reported a financial loss of $516,355 for the year ended June 30, 2024. Although the club managed to reduce its wage bill, the revenue shortfall still led to a comprehensive loss.

This loss exceeds the previous year’s deficit and looms amid challenges stemming from the collapse of other Premiership clubs and fluctuating match-day revenues.

The club managed to mitigate a potentially larger loss of over 2.9 million pounds through strategic financial moves, including a revaluation of Kingston stadium and cost-cutting measures with key factors impacting revenue, which include the loss of three home fixtures due to the demise of other clubs, partially offset by successful cup runs.

On the field, the men’s team won the premiership Rugby Cup but struggled in the premiership, while the women’s team, Gloucester-Hartpury, continued their dominance, securing a second league title. The club players participated in the Rugby World Cup and supported Louis Rees-Zammit’s transition to the NFL.

The club faces immediate financial pressures, including an upcoming repayment of a COVID loan from Sport England, which includes a significant accrued interest.

The club experienced a change in the leadership with Alex Brown replacing Lance Bradley as CEO and acknowledged the ongoing support of sponsorship deals.

The club did, however, benefit from the extra home games provided by the cup runs and in response to the loss of CVC repayments.

Gloucester implemented cost-saving measures, including reductions in operating expenses and capital expenditure, while maintaining a competitive squad. Despite financial challenges, the club remains optimistic about future growth.