The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has reported pre-tax profits of £1.9m for the 12 months ending 30 June - a 79 per cent drop compared with the previous year.

In its annual results, the national governing body also posted a £7.2m drop in turnover and a £6m fall in operating profit, with nearly £23m invested in grassroots facilities. RFU finance director Nick Eastwood said: "Despite the Twickenham match schedule and the economic environment, we delivered a strong financial performance."