New research from Deloitte's Sports Business Group has revealed that the total revenue generated by the 12 Guinness Premiership rugby union clubs totalled around £100m for the 2007-08 season.

The professional services firm also revealed that it expects combined revenues to grow yet further for the 2008-09 season after reporting an increase in the average attendance of Guinness Premiership fixtures by more than 1,000. However, the latest statistics have shown that combined operating losses totalled more than £10m during the 2007-08 season, with only one club - Gloucester Rugby Football Club - posting a profit for the season.

Dan Jones, partner at Deloitte's Sports Business Group, said: "The record attendances achieved in 2008/09 indicate that the Guinness Premiership, along with certain other sports competitions, may be relatively resistant to the impact of the economic downturn compared to other industries. "However, clubs know they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Achieving attendance growth in 2009/10 is an immediate challenge. Clubs must investigate opportunities to build on recent attendance increases to take the game to the next level."