rugby'>World Rugby will increase its spend on the grassroots game to £245.8m (US$309.5m, €291.1m) over the next four years after attracting 1.5m people to the sport in 2015.

It represents a 22 per cent increase on the £201m (US$253.1m, €238m) spent over the 2013-16 cycle, and reflects the strong financial performance of the governing body.

Over 2015, World Rugby generated “higher than anticipated revenue” of £345m (US$434.4m, €408.5m) with £189.5m (US$238.6m, €224.4m) profit.

According to the body, the growth in income “reflects improved broadcast and sponsorship markets” for the Rugby World Cup 2015 and a higher tournament fee from the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Over the course of the 2013-16 cycle, rugby participation almost doubled worldwide to 7.7m people.

“World Rugby’s strategic mission to grow the global rugby family is reflected by the organisation’s diligence in maintaining operating costs and strategically investing in the game for the next four years through targeted programmes, including training and education, player welfare, tournaments and high-performance and assistance with preparation costs for the Rugby World Cup 2019,” said organisation chair Bill Beaumont.