Record revenues for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) contributed to a 5 per cent increase in the organisation’s investment in the grassroots game.

The national governing body spent £34.1m (US$41.5m, €37.8m) on rugby development over 2015/16, up £1.6m (US$1.9m, €1.8m) from the previous 12 months.

Money went towards the RFU’s All Schools programme – which is working towards implementing rugby programmes in 750 state schools by 2019 – and its Young Rugby Ambassadors project.

Female rugby and touch rugby also received a greater investment than it had previously.

The extra funding was made possible by the record £407.1m (US$495.5m, €450.7m) revenues the RFU made during a year in which England hosted the Rugby World Cup.

Around £55.7m (US$67.8m, €61.7m) was also ploughed into the professional game.

Ian Ritchie, RFU chief executive, said that 2015/16 was a “truly exceptional year”.

“Despite the huge disappointment of England’s early exit from our home Rugby World Cup, by running the widely acclaimed ‘most successful Rugby World Cup ever’ we have delivered significant investment into rugby both at home and globally,” he added.

“The legacy will continue to benefit our community clubs and the sport at every level.”