Somerset County Rugby Football Union Limited

 FINANCIAL ASPECTS

Somerset County RFU Limited is primarily responsible for financing representative rugby football for all age groups from Under 14’s through to the Senior County XV and also makes a contribution to assist the Somerset Schools RFU.  Somerset County RFU income is derived from various sources - members’ and clubs’ subscriptions; donations; sponsorship - the County is indebted to Matthew Clark through its Blackthorn Cup sponsorship and other independent concerns who sponsor the Senior XV namely Rowan Dartington, Merrill Lynch and Cooper Avon Tyres; income from investments.  The principal source of funding however is via the Rugby Football Union with Somerset like all other counties subject to conditional funding linked to a points scoring system in conjunction with the facilities which the County operates and provides. Beyond the normal funding - Somerset received around £36K for 2004/05 - the RFU will also provide further funding for the new Rugby Development Partnership (RDP) which is an arrangement set up to assist the development of rugby football in the 16-24 age groups.  There are also specific funds to provide for Youth Registration; Volunteer recruitment and coordination etc.  RFU also provide the appointment and funding for our Rugby Development Officers (RDO) - at present Somerset have two such appointees - Nevil Jeffery and John Bendle - the latter a relatively new recruit for whom the County make a contribution. 

The main expenditure from the County purse relates to the RDO engagements substantially funded by RFU; the financing of all playing sides in the various age groups up to Senior XV; the general administration and custody of the game in the County; the maintenance of an all-embracing committee serving all areas of the game; providing assistance to clubs where appropriate.

The financial position of the County is controlled by its Honorary Treasurer - at present Mike Berry from Bridgwater - who reports to the management committee on a regular basis.  An Administration and Finance Committee also meets to co-ordinate the financial requirements of the Union and to look at special matters arising. 

Over the years the County has been successful in its financial pursuits and as a result has been able to establish various funds for the continuing development of rugby football in the County and has also been able to set aside monies for Tours from time to time.  In recent seasons the substantially increased costs of playing the game have been felt and Somerset in line with other counties now find that their surpluses are substantially reduced.  However whilst overall financial security and stability is welcomed we must remember that it is the promotion and maintenance of the game in Somerset which is of highest priority.

The annual Accounts of the Union are prepared to 30 April in each season and duly audited and available to all members.  The County is also obliged to submit its Accounts to RFU.  The Hon. Treasurer is also involved in compiling budgets both for the Union’s own information and guidance and also for RFU purposes.  The Hon. Treasurer normally attends the RFU Treasurer’s Conference to review specific areas of concern and development. 

Somerset RFU Limited is an incorporated body under the auspices of the Industrial and Friendly Societies Acts as governed by FSA.

Any further information concerning the finances of the Union will be gladly provided by the Honorary Treasurer Mike Berry at :-

4 King Square
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 3YF

Telephone 01278 423008
Fax 01278 450624

Email mrb@maxwellsaccountants.co.uk.