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YEAR IN REVIEW 2015 WORLD RUGBY 101£50m Investment in Tier 2, 2012-15High PerformanceDevelopmentRWC Preparation / ParticipationHSBC SevensCompetitions (indirect)TARGETED INVESTMENTS | FINANCIAL REPORTINVESTMENT IN HIGH PERFORMANCE TIER TWO UNIONS The high performance tier two unionsUnder our Strategic Plan, World Rugby is committed to ensuring that our high performance programme demonstrates an impact on the competitiveness of international rugby. While we are developing initiatives across 15s and sevens for both men and women, our primary focus in this sphere remains men’s 15s with Rugby World Cup at the pinnacle of performance and the 10 high performance tier two unions as our major investment. The tier two unions are: Canada, Fiji, Georgia, Japan, Namibia, Romania, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay and USA.Defined targetsAmong a number of key performance indicators in this area, we aim to see one tier two union achieve RWC quarter-final qualification and the average losing margin for tier two unions against tier one unions at RWC decrease. Our ability to achieve these targets is a function of the principles of our high performance investment strategy:1. A top down targeted approach prioritised to unions with the greatest probability of success2. A performance partnership approach with unions; accountability for outcomes3. An allocation of funding based on demonstrated need and ability to improve performanceGlobal cash injectionFurthermore, our investment in tier two unions is not limited to the core High Performance Investment Programme. The investment includes funding allocated across the game investment programmes including development (which supports engagement of key union staff); funding allocated via high performance competitions to enhance the pathway to RWC for teams; and specific grant funding from RWC competitions costs to support team preparation in the 18-month lead up to the tournament. Between 2012-15, World Rugby invested £50m for the benefit of the 10 tier two unions participating in RWC 2015 – £34m in direct grant funding and a further £16m indirectly via provision of competitions. This compares favourably with the £85m invested in tier one unions in the same period, the majority of which comes from RWC competitions costs.19.516.31.56.26.5