Support for Gloucester Rugby stood strong in 2022-23 with the club reporting a record level of commercial revenue, despite a loss in matchday income caused by the demise of other clubs.
An annual report released at the end of March 2024 reveals that the club's turnover for the year to June 2023 was £18,162,660 — up from £17,035,172 the year before.
It came in a season that was greatly affected by the loss of three clubs from the premiership, Worcester Warriors, Wasps and London Irish, which meant that fewer matches were hosted at Kingsholm.
The report explained that supporters and commercial partners were key to helping the club weather the storm, stating: 'The club relied heavily on the loyalty and support from all its members, box holders and partners, which proved to be invaluable; a true testament to the community of which the club is a part.'
However, the rise in revenue wasn't enough to stop the club reporting an overall loss for the second year running.
The loss totalled £543,881, which was, encouragingly, less than its £694,537 loss the year before.
The club's revenue increased in multiple areas including ticket income; hospitality, conferencing and events; sponsorship and advertising; community development; and commission on catering, bar and shop sales.
The playing season was one of mixed fortunes for the Cherry and Whites; while the men finished in tenth position in the Gallagher Premiership and reached the last 16 of the Heineken European Champions Cup, the women's team — Gloucester-Hartpury — were crowned league champions, winning the play-off final at Kingsholm in front of a record 10,000 supporters.
