RFU strikes strategic partnership with EY

English rugby union’s governing body the Rugby Football Union has agreed a new strategic partnership with multinational professional services company EY.

Under the deal, EY will become the official professional services provider to England Rugby.

Having served as the RFU’s official tax adviser for the past 18 months, EY will now support the governing body in the run up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup national team tournament, which will take place in England.

EY will work with departments across the organisation beyond the corporate functions to support English rugby union from grassroots up to elite level. Tasked with delivering objective advice and business analysis across various strategic projects, EY will consult on how to improve business efficiency and secure the sustainability of the community game across England.

Sophie Goldschmidt, chief commercial officer of the RFU, said: “This announcement comes at an important time for the RFU as we build towards next year’s World Cup. EY’s high-level of objective advice will be crucial in helping us to deliver against our strategic plan.”