As the Japanese nation prepares to host two of the big four sporting tournaments over the coming year, that tree looks set to bear plenty of fruit. This year's Rugby World Cup is expected to attract the largest numbers of spectators and supporters in the history of the tournament.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said the EY report outlined the economic, social and sporting benefits of the Rugby World Cup. According to its annual statement, the IRFU generated income of €85.6m in the 2018-19 financial year. More than half of the income comes from the international game, Hartnett said, with that take being boosted by the Guinness Six Nations last year.
"Other stars in the eyes of sponsors that will be to the fore in the consideration for brand ambassadorial campaigns are predominantly rugby players including Conor Murray, Rory Best, Peter O'Mahony and Jordan Lamour," Trainor said.A study carried out for the Dublin Chamber by the Smurfit Business School estimated that the Six Nations Rugby game between Ireland and England in March 2015 generated a €21.3m boost to the economy.
Sports events like this are generally considered to be loss leaders for broadcasters. The sheer expense of securing the rights to broadcast them is rarely covered by the weight of advertising revenue that they bring in, despite such events being very lucrative on the advertising front.