Stakes are high for Rugby World Cup qualifier with a loss promising to be costly
The stakes are high on and off the field Saturday as Canada takes on Uruguay in the opening leg of a crucial Rugby World Cup qualifier.
Failure to make the sport’s showcase tournament means less money from the governing body of world rugby. According to Rugby Canada’s 2016 annual report, World Rugby provided $2.1 million of its $15.1 million revenue in 2016 (an Olympic year) — its second largest contributor after Sport Canada’s $2.97 million.
In 2015, World Rugby was the biggest contributor at $3.7 million, ahead of Sport Canada, in Rugby Canada’s $16.2 million worth of revenue.
“This isn’t just an important match on the field for moving up in the rankings, it’s an important match for the organization as whole,” said Rugby Canada board chairman Tim Powers.