been popular with fans and during the Rugby World Cup was provided daily. A designated microsite also brought continuously updated tournament news to fans.
In a modern world the Union must communicate via modern technologies. The RFU’s Digital Media Team developed the Way Forward, Go Play and Rugby World Cup microsites and continued to assist the business generate over £6m in turnover through the web portal. They took on the business responsibility for RugbyFirst, which has seen a steady increase in use.
The launch of RugbyFirst in October 2006 meant a busy year for the IT Department, who replaced more than 20 existing systems with a single version for the game, with tools to allow appropriate editing. There has been a full review of the existing website infrastructures with an improved structure to be implemented shortly. The IT Department has also been closely involved with the South Stand development to ensure that the infrastructure assists in our vision of a cutting edge stadium.
The improved central database, which has added some 100,000 club members,
enables us to provide more accurate information and to report on our successes to central government. This means that the Planning, Funding and Facilities team are better able to access funding from government, lottery and sponsor sources and have secured £28m of funding for investment in the community game during the year. The team also works closely with Parliament to ensure that legislation does not have a detrimental effect on our sport. The Facilities team has continued to work with CBs to develop the National Facilities Strategy and the CB Facility Plans, instrumental in determining the allocation of Community Club Development Programme and National Sports Foundation funding so that it meets the greatest need.
At the end of a busy and challenging year, I would like to thank all our staff and volunteers whose dedication and commitment have again been outstanding.
Francis Baron OBE
Chief Executive
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