RFU revenue almost doubled in World Cup year

4:32 PM GMT

England's successful hosting of the Rugby World Cup ensured the Rugby Football Union almost doubled its total revenue for the last financial year.

The governing body saw its annual revenue increase to £407.1 million, up £199.2m on the same period in the previous year.

Despite England's early exit, the RFU's annual report and accounts, published on Friday, show the competition accounted for £228.1m of revenue for last year alone.

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said: "This was a truly exceptional year.

"Despite the huge disappointment of England's early exit from our home Rugby World Cup, by running the widely acclaimed 'most successful Rugby World Cup ever' we have delivered significant investment into rugby both at home and globally.

"The legacy will continue to benefit our community clubs and the sport at every level."

Meanwhile, Andy Cosslett has been elected as the governing body's new chairman.

The RFU announcement came following a meeting of the RFU Council on Friday.

Cosslett, who replaces recently-appointed World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont, will take up the position with immediate effect.

Cosslett, 61, previously held an independent non-executive director role on the RFU board and oversaw the delivery of the biggest Rugby World Cup in history as chairman of England Rugby 2015.

His 30-year global business experience has seen him hold chief executive roles at Fitness First and InterContinental Hotels Group. He also spent 14 years with Cadbury Schweppes in a variety of senior positions.

Cosslett said: "I am delighted to be appointed chair of the RFU board. It is a privilege to be involved with this game that has given me so much throughout my life.

"My role is to make sure we have strong governance in the Union, and ensure that we make the most of all the resources we have at our disposal in this country for the good of the game."

RFU Council members, meanwhile, have approved proposals for a new women's domestic club competition, backed and run by the RFU, which will replace the existing Women's Premiership from next season.

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RFU revenue almost doubled in World Cup year