The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has reported a 66 per cent increase in operating profit to £18.9m for the 12 months ending 30 June 2009, when compared with the previous year.

According to the RFU, an increase in the number of international fixtures staged at Twickenham Stadium helped to boost its results for the year, as well as a reduction in depreciation following a review of the venue's new South Stand facilities. The national governing body, which saw turnover increase by a fifth and pre-tax profits move out of the red, has continued to maintain investment levels in elite and community rugby during the period.

Nick Eastwood, the RFU's finance director, said: "The RFU results always benefit in those years when we have three home Six Nations games and a fourth autumn international. Last year was no different. "The pre-tax profits of £9m also benefited from a one-off reduction in depreciation of £1.2m following completion of the detailed analysis of the new South Stand facilities as well as one-off reduction in costs of £1.2m accruing from the establishment the Injured Players Foundation."