WRU chief Roger Lewis is pleased with their finanical health © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Roger Lewis

Teams: Wales

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced an increased £27.6 million pre-tax profit for last year thanks to a record turnover of £58.5 million.

The union's annual report for 2010 details a rise in profit from £24.5 million. After hosting eight home Tests last season the WRU gave £20 million back to the game, with £14.2 million allocated to its four professional regions, the Cardiff Blues, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets and a further £1.3 million to the semi-professional Premiership clubs.

"I am delighted at the success we have again achieved against the backdrop of an economic environment which remains challenging," chief executive Roger Lewis said. "We have been able to grow the business in terms of income and this has allowed us to make radical and forward looking decisions which will benefit the future of the game in Wales."

Importantly the WRU also reduced their bank debt to £26.7million while also securing the lease of the Cardiff Arms pub adjacent to the Millennium Stadium.

"I am extremely mindful that our three core priorities are elite rugby, the community game and the Millennium Stadium so we have to devise polices and strategies which sustain and develop them all," Lewis said. "We have to have a strong community game to deliver the supporters and players who fill the Millennium Stadium to follow our national teams.

"The range of successful initiatives and projects outlined in our annual report all align to our core aims which are to do the best we can for Welsh rugby. There are exciting and challenging times ahead, but I am confident we have the right people and the correct strategies and systems in place to look forward with confidence."

The year also saw the negotiation of a new sponsorship deal with insurance company Admiral and the opening of the WRU centre of excellence, part of a £2.3 million spend also including stadium improvements.