Pulled this interesting piece from Planet Rugby:
There is a very interesting interview with Mick Dawson, CEO Leinster Rugby in the business section of the Irish edition of the ST. Paywall precludes a linky, but the main points, inter alia, are :
Leinsters Revenues are about €15m a year, a lot more than certainly I thought.
The New HQ and gym at UCD was facilitated by a €2.2m donation from a wealthy fan (David Shubotham).
Leinster are in talks with the RDS about a redevelopment of the Anglesea stand, and an increase in capacity to 22,000.
Dawson expects Leinster to have more than 14,000 STH for next season.
Leinster have no problems securing sponsorship deals, even in the current climate.
It's an interesting read, if anyone has the wherewithal to put it up.
http://forum.planet-rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12246
Leinsters Finances
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Leinsters Finances
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future international
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Re: Leinsters Finances
Haven't seen the article yet but wasn't Shubotham implicated in the Mahon Report?
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ellandleinster
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Re: Leinsters Finances
Why is this article on PR and not this site? out of interest has this site ever had a purpose written piece from LR ??
Re: Leinsters Finances
Because one of their posters read the article in the Sunday Times and shared it on the board he frequents?ellandleinster wrote:Why is this article on PR and not this site? out of interest has this site ever had a purpose written piece from LR ??
Implicated??? In what way? Do you know?future international wrote:Haven't seen the article yet but wasn't Shubotham implicated in the Mahon Report?
I love the idea that wealthy business people support Leinster and are prepared to put their money where their mouth is. Fair play to Shubotham (& Dawson) for the initiative.
PS: I presume you're not suggesting giving the money back?
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ellandleinster
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Re: Leinsters Finances
i couldn't actually see the article on the link to PR either. But I also agree that its fantastic if wealthy fans support their clubs.
Re: Leinsters Finances
A quick google of "David Shubotham Mahon Report" will get you the information you require. He features heavily in Chapter 9 of the full report.deco wrote:Because one of their posters read the article in the Sunday Times and shared it on the board he frequents?ellandleinster wrote:Why is this article on PR and not this site? out of interest has this site ever had a purpose written piece from LR ??
Implicated??? In what way? Do you know?future international wrote:Haven't seen the article yet but wasn't Shubotham implicated in the Mahon Report?
I love the idea that wealthy business people support Leinster and are prepared to put their money where their mouth is. Fair play to Shubotham (& Dawson) for the initiative.
PS: I presume you're not suggesting giving the money back?
Look out Itchy, he's Irish
Re: Leinsters Finances
I wish I had €2.2 Million to splash out on a donation to Leinster.
Re: Leinsters Finances
Cloning Auckland/Fijian utility backs might be a good way to spend that money if i did.
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future international
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Re: Leinsters Finances
Ok having now seen the article and helpfully there is an article in relation to Shubotham's dealings with the Tribunal on the front page of the same section, I'll elaborate.
The following is taken directly from the article which relates to Shubotham's response to the Tribunal which he has issued to Goldman Sachs as part of his fitness and probity assessment.
"The tribunal on payment to politicians found that Shubotham and Brendan Hickey, his business partner, had a beneficial interest in an option over the lands at Baldoyle from 1991 to 1996. It rejected evidence that neither Shubotham, Hickey or Davy Hickey Properties had any beneficial interest in the so called Pennine option
The tribunal was "satisfied" that the option was originally the idea of Liam Lawlor TD. It found Shubotham had "significant involvement" in attempts to have the land rezoned.
According to the tribunal report, Dunlop received IR£62,500(€80,000) from Shubotham, Hickey or entities associated with the two men.
It found that IR£20,000 came directly from Shubotham's personal account and the "primary reason" for the provision of the money to Dunlop was to make payments to Councillors to lobby for rezoning.
It rejected Shubotham's evidence that the payment related to work by Dunlop on another development"
I suppose this becomes all the more interesting given how Dawson describes Leinster's relationship with sponsors in his interview-
"In the old days, we would have taken 15 grand off anybody. Now we have a well-orchestrated brand strategy. We are fussy about who we associate with and what we do"
The following is taken directly from the article which relates to Shubotham's response to the Tribunal which he has issued to Goldman Sachs as part of his fitness and probity assessment.
"The tribunal on payment to politicians found that Shubotham and Brendan Hickey, his business partner, had a beneficial interest in an option over the lands at Baldoyle from 1991 to 1996. It rejected evidence that neither Shubotham, Hickey or Davy Hickey Properties had any beneficial interest in the so called Pennine option
The tribunal was "satisfied" that the option was originally the idea of Liam Lawlor TD. It found Shubotham had "significant involvement" in attempts to have the land rezoned.
According to the tribunal report, Dunlop received IR£62,500(€80,000) from Shubotham, Hickey or entities associated with the two men.
It found that IR£20,000 came directly from Shubotham's personal account and the "primary reason" for the provision of the money to Dunlop was to make payments to Councillors to lobby for rezoning.
It rejected Shubotham's evidence that the payment related to work by Dunlop on another development"
I suppose this becomes all the more interesting given how Dawson describes Leinster's relationship with sponsors in his interview-
"In the old days, we would have taken 15 grand off anybody. Now we have a well-orchestrated brand strategy. We are fussy about who we associate with and what we do"
Re: Leinsters Finances
Anyone want to paste the article featuring Mick Dawson?
Is that 15 million an operating surplus? Holy sh*t, if it is that's mega profit. How is that managed between Leinster & IRFU?
One years profit would nearly cover the entire redevelopment of RDS! Perhaps we could "donate" proceeds to the development as a nominal loan, and in return get 10 year rent free in the stadium?
Very good feeling surrounding Leinster at the moment. Very grateful for it.
Is that 15 million an operating surplus? Holy sh*t, if it is that's mega profit. How is that managed between Leinster & IRFU?
One years profit would nearly cover the entire redevelopment of RDS! Perhaps we could "donate" proceeds to the development as a nominal loan, and in return get 10 year rent free in the stadium?
Very good feeling surrounding Leinster at the moment. Very grateful for it.
Pro12 Champions, Amlin Challenge Cup Champions, British & Irish Cup Champions
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future international
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Re: Leinsters Finances
Just have the print version so can't post it here but it's 15m in revenue i.e turnover so it certainly isn't profit. Taking in over 3 million from season tickets alone!
Re: Leinsters Finances
It’s a wet and murky day outside Mick Dawson’s office, but inside it’s bright and airy, with a flurry of activity audible in the corridors.
Leinster Rugby has a new home and Dawson, its chief executive, is still settling in. The furniture is new, the walls are bare and a whiteboard sits on the floor, labelled “Mick’s whiteboard”.
Dawson lists the facilities — a gym and leisure centre, changing rooms, physiotherapy suites, an admin block for the coaches. The Leinster teams can use the University College Dublin (UCD) swimming pool and pitches and link to its sports science department.
The senior team, which takes on Ulster in the Heineken Cup final next Saturday, will move in once the season has ended. “This is our long-term home,” says Dawson. “We have a 25-year deal.”
Having been based above a shop in the city suburb of Donnybrook, Dawson and his staff are clearly enjoying the move.
The scale of the HQ reflects the fact that Leinster is now big business. The club has 130 staff, including up to 60 club and academy players, and revenues — buoyed by cup wins and clever marketing — are about €15m a year.
Dawson is open and chatty, despite a late night at the Irish Rugby Union Players Association awards the previous evening. It was a good night for Leinster, with full back Rob Kearney winning the player of the year award and flanker Kevin McLaughlin voted “unsung hero” of the year.
Dawson, a former hooker with Lansdowne, joined in 2001 and has overseen several big changes, including a move from Donnybrook stadium to the RDS arena.
He is keen to stress that it’s a team effort off the pitch. “I don’t want to give the impression this is a Mick Dawson operation, that I somehow turned it around,” he said.
Success on the field, where Leinster won the Magners League in 2008 and the Heineken Cup in 2009 and 2011, has fuelled the finances. Season ticket sales bring in €3m a year and sponsorship deals bring in another €3m.
It helps to have wealthy fans. The move to UCD was funded with a €2.2m donation from David Shubotham, the Swiss-based Irish businessman. “It couldn’t have happened without him,” said Dawson, who worked with Shubotham at Davy stockbrokers before taking the reins at Leinster.
A Dublin native, Dawson was educated at the Catholic University School on Leeson Street and went on to the College of Commerce in Rathmines. Rugby was in his blood.
Leinster Rugby has a new home and Dawson, its chief executive, is still settling in. The furniture is new, the walls are bare and a whiteboard sits on the floor, labelled “Mick’s whiteboard”.
Dawson lists the facilities — a gym and leisure centre, changing rooms, physiotherapy suites, an admin block for the coaches. The Leinster teams can use the University College Dublin (UCD) swimming pool and pitches and link to its sports science department.
The senior team, which takes on Ulster in the Heineken Cup final next Saturday, will move in once the season has ended. “This is our long-term home,” says Dawson. “We have a 25-year deal.”
Having been based above a shop in the city suburb of Donnybrook, Dawson and his staff are clearly enjoying the move.
The scale of the HQ reflects the fact that Leinster is now big business. The club has 130 staff, including up to 60 club and academy players, and revenues — buoyed by cup wins and clever marketing — are about €15m a year.
Dawson is open and chatty, despite a late night at the Irish Rugby Union Players Association awards the previous evening. It was a good night for Leinster, with full back Rob Kearney winning the player of the year award and flanker Kevin McLaughlin voted “unsung hero” of the year.
Dawson, a former hooker with Lansdowne, joined in 2001 and has overseen several big changes, including a move from Donnybrook stadium to the RDS arena.
He is keen to stress that it’s a team effort off the pitch. “I don’t want to give the impression this is a Mick Dawson operation, that I somehow turned it around,” he said.
Success on the field, where Leinster won the Magners League in 2008 and the Heineken Cup in 2009 and 2011, has fuelled the finances. Season ticket sales bring in €3m a year and sponsorship deals bring in another €3m.
It helps to have wealthy fans. The move to UCD was funded with a €2.2m donation from David Shubotham, the Swiss-based Irish businessman. “It couldn’t have happened without him,” said Dawson, who worked with Shubotham at Davy stockbrokers before taking the reins at Leinster.
A Dublin native, Dawson was educated at the Catholic University School on Leeson Street and went on to the College of Commerce in Rathmines. Rugby was in his blood.
Four Stars
Re: Leinsters Finances
15 mm revenue - not profit / surplus.[Jackass] wrote:Is that 15 million an operating surplus? Holy sh*t, if it is that's mega profit. How is that managed between Leinster & IRFU?
I like your right leg. A lovely leg for the role.
I've got nothing against your right leg.
The trouble is ... neither have you
I've got nothing against your right leg.
The trouble is ... neither have you
Re: Leinsters Finances
Interesting bit in IT today discussing how the redevelopment of anglesea stand wont commence within next two years. Dependant on the selling of RDS naming rights which will prob take another 9mts to complete ..........
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/spo ... 28077.html
THE ROYAL Dublin Society in Ballsbridge are currently in discussions with four companies to sell their stadium naming rights for a figure between €15 to €20 million.
The RDS chief executive Michael Duffy confirmed yesterday they hope to complete the tendering process in the next six to nine months. This would allow the society and Leinster rugby to go ahead with plans to redevelop the stadium.
However, this will not be done in time for the 2013 Amlin Challenge Cup final. It was announced yesterday that the RDS will host the ERC’s second-tier final on May 17th next year, on the eve of the Heineken Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.
“We are in discussions with Leinster to increase the capacity from 18,500 to 23,000,” Duffy told The Irish Times. “We are looking at how we fund that, namely with a naming rights partnership. That process is in hand but it is going to take probably another year to two years to complete and begin the expansion of the entire ground.”
Whoever purchases the naming rights will be associated with the Leinster Rugby brand as the province play the majority of their home games at the RDS, including the Pro12 final against the Ospreys on Sunday week.
“We are talking to four separate parties but there is still a ways to go,” Duffy explained. “It is quite a developed process. We have people at the table for discussions, we got them engaged.
“The facility we have to offer is excellent, what with Leinster, the Horse Show and concerts so it is just about getting the right fit. We hope to conclude that process within six to nine months but these things have a pace of their own.”
The Aviva insurance company paid an estimated €40 million to secure the naming rights of Lansdowne Road in 2009.
Only when a deal is agreed with a new title sponsor – insurance, airline and motor industry companies are reportedly interested – can the proposed €17 million redevelopment of the entire ground commence. The RDS and Leinster rugby will contribute financially to this process, as Duffy explained: “The society will also use its own funds to invest, (along with) Leinster Rugby sponsorship and third party funding.”
The ERC awarding of the Amlin final to the RDS was not influenced, either way, by the grounds inability to redevelop its facilities within the next 12 months. There was already significant work done on the new grandstand, rebuilt in 2006 with a roof added in 2008, to cater for Leinster’s 13,500 season ticket holders.
“We don’t feel the need to make any changes, it is perfectly adequate,” said ERC chief executive Derek McGrath yesterday.
McGrath also highlighted the 5,000 “golden tickets” deal, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, that will give supporters access to both European finals next year and over 30 tourist attractions in Dublin city, including air coach tickets and tours of both the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park.
Tickets will cost €75 (category two seats) or €99 (category one seats) with the public allocation going on sale next Monday.
Tickets for just the Heineken Cup final at the Aviva next year range from €35 up to €65, with the Amlin tickets starting at €15 up to €55.
“This is the first year we have been able to get the ticketing in line to offer both the finals at the same time,” McGrath continued.
“People want to make decisions at least six months out, so they can get the tickets and hotels in advance.”
ERC research revealed that Cardiff received an injection of €30 million into their local economy over last year’s final weekend, with 84 per cent of fans travelling from outside Wales and 61 per cent staying at least one night in the host city.
Speaking at yesterday’s announcement Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, said: “I am delighted to be here today and I’m really looking forward to Dublin being transformed into the European capital of rugby next year. Only last week we officially launched the Gathering Ireland 2013, which encourages everyone with an Irish connection to return home next year.”
Meanwhile, with an 82,000 sell-out confirmed for Saturday’s Heineken Cup final between Ulster and Leinster at Twickenham, McGrath said it was a challenge that only equated to demand for the 2009 European semi-final between Leinster and Munster.
“The pressure on tickets this weekend is just huge,” said McGrath. “It’s as big as we saw the pressure for the Croke Park semi-final, which is a great problem to have.”
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/spo ... 28077.html
THE ROYAL Dublin Society in Ballsbridge are currently in discussions with four companies to sell their stadium naming rights for a figure between €15 to €20 million.
The RDS chief executive Michael Duffy confirmed yesterday they hope to complete the tendering process in the next six to nine months. This would allow the society and Leinster rugby to go ahead with plans to redevelop the stadium.
However, this will not be done in time for the 2013 Amlin Challenge Cup final. It was announced yesterday that the RDS will host the ERC’s second-tier final on May 17th next year, on the eve of the Heineken Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.
“We are in discussions with Leinster to increase the capacity from 18,500 to 23,000,” Duffy told The Irish Times. “We are looking at how we fund that, namely with a naming rights partnership. That process is in hand but it is going to take probably another year to two years to complete and begin the expansion of the entire ground.”
Whoever purchases the naming rights will be associated with the Leinster Rugby brand as the province play the majority of their home games at the RDS, including the Pro12 final against the Ospreys on Sunday week.
“We are talking to four separate parties but there is still a ways to go,” Duffy explained. “It is quite a developed process. We have people at the table for discussions, we got them engaged.
“The facility we have to offer is excellent, what with Leinster, the Horse Show and concerts so it is just about getting the right fit. We hope to conclude that process within six to nine months but these things have a pace of their own.”
The Aviva insurance company paid an estimated €40 million to secure the naming rights of Lansdowne Road in 2009.
Only when a deal is agreed with a new title sponsor – insurance, airline and motor industry companies are reportedly interested – can the proposed €17 million redevelopment of the entire ground commence. The RDS and Leinster rugby will contribute financially to this process, as Duffy explained: “The society will also use its own funds to invest, (along with) Leinster Rugby sponsorship and third party funding.”
The ERC awarding of the Amlin final to the RDS was not influenced, either way, by the grounds inability to redevelop its facilities within the next 12 months. There was already significant work done on the new grandstand, rebuilt in 2006 with a roof added in 2008, to cater for Leinster’s 13,500 season ticket holders.
“We don’t feel the need to make any changes, it is perfectly adequate,” said ERC chief executive Derek McGrath yesterday.
McGrath also highlighted the 5,000 “golden tickets” deal, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, that will give supporters access to both European finals next year and over 30 tourist attractions in Dublin city, including air coach tickets and tours of both the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park.
Tickets will cost €75 (category two seats) or €99 (category one seats) with the public allocation going on sale next Monday.
Tickets for just the Heineken Cup final at the Aviva next year range from €35 up to €65, with the Amlin tickets starting at €15 up to €55.
“This is the first year we have been able to get the ticketing in line to offer both the finals at the same time,” McGrath continued.
“People want to make decisions at least six months out, so they can get the tickets and hotels in advance.”
ERC research revealed that Cardiff received an injection of €30 million into their local economy over last year’s final weekend, with 84 per cent of fans travelling from outside Wales and 61 per cent staying at least one night in the host city.
Speaking at yesterday’s announcement Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, said: “I am delighted to be here today and I’m really looking forward to Dublin being transformed into the European capital of rugby next year. Only last week we officially launched the Gathering Ireland 2013, which encourages everyone with an Irish connection to return home next year.”
Meanwhile, with an 82,000 sell-out confirmed for Saturday’s Heineken Cup final between Ulster and Leinster at Twickenham, McGrath said it was a challenge that only equated to demand for the 2009 European semi-final between Leinster and Munster.
“The pressure on tickets this weekend is just huge,” said McGrath. “It’s as big as we saw the pressure for the Croke Park semi-final, which is a great problem to have.”
"My final expression of thanks is to the supporters of both Ireland and Leinster with whom I have shared some special days that I will never forget" - Shane Horgan
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sheepshagger
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Re: Leinsters Finances
On a side note wouldn't be suprised if one of the middle eastern airlines are sniffing around at the naming rights. They have buckets of cash and are looking to build/grow their brand here (the heavyweights like Emirates and Eithad are already adding capacity on flights to/from Dublin) - Eithaid already signed up the GAA.
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ellandleinster
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Re: Leinsters Finances
Really cannot see the rights going for 15 million. Can sort of understand when its a shiny new stadium that looks great on TV and other promotional material. But even post the revamp I would imagine that the RDS still would not fit that criteria. Anyway time will tell.
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simonokeeffe
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Re: Leinsters Finances
naming rights tend to be on quite long term deals though
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simplythebest
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Re: Leinsters Finances
Are you sure it wasn't Denis O'Brien?deco wrote:The New HQ and gym at UCD was facilitated by a €2.2m donation from a wealthy fan (David Shubotham).
LEINSTER pour toujours
Re: Leinsters Finances
Yeah would be something like 15 million over 5 or 10 years, not a lump sum, but I suppose they just want it in place to pay the bills over the term of any loan RDS may get out to redevelop the ground (as they are a "not for profit" organisation).
As long as it's not Ryanair, then it's all good.
My guess is Volkswagon, Emirates and Zurich are all in the running.
As long as it's not Ryanair, then it's all good.
My guess is Volkswagon, Emirates and Zurich are all in the running.
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fourthirtythree
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Re: Leinsters Finances
[Jackass] wrote: As long as it's not Ryanair, then it's all good.
My guess is Volkswagon, Emirates and Zurich are all in the running.
???? If they have the best offer, take them. Bite their hand off.
Their business ethics are not worse by a huge factor than the rest of the airline industry, it's just that their CEO is a dick and a loud dick constantly being a dick in public. If they have money on offer: I want it.