RECORD FIGURES OFF THE FIELD FOR WALES V ENGLAND

As well as a record attendance at the Millennium Stadium for a RBS Six Nations fixture, there was also a record gross financial return.
 
“We had a record crowd for a Six Nations fixture of 74,197 and a record gross financial return as a result. We filled all 123 hospitality boxes and cleared all our other hospitality packages. We also sold all 35,000 match programmes  – another record,” said David Moffett, the WRU chief executive. “Our caterers reported a very busy time in the stadium’s 17 food and beverage outlets and merchandise was moving very quickly as well. All in all, the gross revenue taken on the day will have exceeded £3.5m.
 
“More than that, this victory will have increased the stock of Welsh rugby and can only lead to an improvement of both our playing and financial positions. There is nothing like a major Welsh rugby triumph, especially over England, to boost every aspect of Welsh life.
 
“In Edinburgh last season they conducted an economic impact survey on a Six Nations game in Scotland and found it was worth £20m to their economy. I wouldn’t be surprised if last weekend’s victory will be worth that and more to the Welsh economy. Only rugby union in Wales can have such a powerful effect and it is great that Gareth Thomas and his team can produce results like that and create such a positive impact for everyone in the country.
 
“It is interesting to note that in this year of celebration in Cardiff, Wales have beaten England yet again. They did so in 1905, the year that Cardiff became a city, in 1955, when it was declared the capital of Wales and now in 2005, when we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of city status.”