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Queensland Rugby has reported a surplus of $2 million dollars for 2011; it was announced at the Annual General Meeting.
Queensland Rugby’s 2011 financial result of a net profit of $1,460,000 after depreciation ($625,000) is a remarkable turnaround compared to the substantial losses reported in 2010 and 2009.
The result was underpinned by outstanding success across all commercial revenue streams. A sharp focus on membership strategy saw the St.George Queensland Reds Army grow 183% to 15,626 members in 2011, while match ticket sales increased on average by 46% and Corporate Hospitality sales grew 200%, resulting in an increase in revenue of 38%.
As a result of Queensland Rugby’s continued strengthening financial position, the QRU board has been able to disband the Special Executive Committee (SEC) two years ahead of schedule after repaying its loan to the ARU.
QRU Chairman Rod McCall paid tribute to the ARU, in particular CEO John O’Neill and former ARU Director Dick McGruther for their support over the last two years and stated that the success Queensland Rugby has achieved both on and off the field would not have been possible without the ARU’s backing.
These significant achievements were announced to members and stakeholders at Queensland Rugby’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday where former Reds and Wallaby player, Mr Mark Connors became the newest member of Queensland Rugby’s nine-man Board of Directors.
Mr Connors previous experience serving as the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) representative on the Australian Rugby Union Board for the past five years has now enhanced the QRU with the necessary skills to address the many challenges facing the code in the next three years.
Mr McCall said Mr Connors’ appointment was significant at this important stage of the organisation’s recovery.
“Mark brings with him specialised expertise which will be instrumental in continuing to establish and foster positive relationships with the player-base and this is an important strategic priority for Queensland Rugby in the future,” Mr McCall said.
“That coupled with his experience in broader national Rugby strategy and policy knowledge, it is anticipated his skills will complement the current knowledge and ability of the QRU Board and assist greatly in addressing the many challenges facing the Code.”
Mr Connors also enjoyed a distinguished playing career whereby he represented Queensland on 134 occasions and earned 20 caps for the Wallabies, where he featured in Tri Nations, Bledisloe Cup and World Cup successes.
In addition to Mr Connors’ appointment, current Board members Chris White, Mark Thompson and Paul McNicholl were all re-elected for a second term.
Former Board member, Professor Tim Brailsford, did not re-nominate for election on the Board due to his new role as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Bond University.
Mr McCall acknowledged the skills and passion Professor Brailsford brought to the board and wished him well in his new role.
Also, former Reds and Wallabies Grand Slam captain, Mr Andrew Slack was elected as a Queensland Rugby Union Vice- President alongside fellow Vice-President Bill Ross, who was re-elected to the position for the second consecutive year.
Mr Slack enjoyed a prolific and highly decorated Rugby career for both Queensland and the Wallabies. He played 39 Tests, 19 of those as the Australian captain in the early 80s. His 133 appearances for Queensland between 1975 and 1987 stood as the Queensland record until bettered by Mark Connors in 2006.
Mr Slack was notably the captain for the Wallabies' historic 1984 tour Grand Slam and led the side to Bledisloe Cup victory and a World Cup semi-final.
Mr Slack spent three years as a national selector for the Wallabies before he relinquished that role to coach the Queensland Reds in season 2003.
He is the Sports Editor for Nine News Brisbane and also a Rugby Columnist for the Sunday Mail.
Former Queensland Reds captain Tony Shaw was also re-elected unopposed to the role of Queensland Rugby President.
Queensland Rugby’s success on and off the field in 2011 were the returns from a three-year business strategy which was designed to consolidate and reform the game in Queensland.
2011 Milestones
2011 2010 %Diff
Attendance Total 332,537 177,810 87%
Attendance Average 33,254 22,827 50%
Membership 15,626 5,517 183%
Broadcast Total 1,820,000 1,121,141 62%
Broadcast Average Audience 154,484 86,242 43%
Participation 136,791 102,673 33%
Education (volunteers) 11,324 9,318 21%
QRU Corporate partner investment to clubs $820,518 $200,000 310%
Corporate Hospitality Up 81%
Corporate Sponsorship Up 6%
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Originally Posted by Stone Cold
