The Rugby Football League (RFL) has reported a record turnover of more than £27m, after distribution of funds to its member clubs reached an all-time high during 2011.

It represents an 18.5 per cent growth on revenue reported for 2010 and allowed the national governing body to make payments totalling £9.18m to clubs and other organisations.

The figure includes participation fees for the Co-operative Championship and the Challenge Cup and is nearly three times the amount invested five years ago.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "The RFL's record turnover in 2011 allowed us to provide unparalleled levels of assistance to clubs at a time when every area of the game is facing financial pressure."

Click here to read more about the RFL's financial figures for 2011, and to access the national governing body's Annual Report.