Leicester in the black

Leicester are used to being first in rugby, writes David Llewellyn. They won the inaugural Courage League in 1988, and they were also ahead of Bath in winning a hat-trick of Cup finals, so it should come as no surprise that they have recorded another first.

Leicester are used to being first in rugby, writes David Llewellyn. They won the inaugural Courage League in 1988, and they were also ahead of Bath in winning a hat-trick of Cup finals, so it should come as no surprise that they have recorded another first.

Chairman Peter Tom yesterday announced that the Tigers have made a pre-tax profit in the financial year to 30 June 2000. "This is the first time that any Premiership club has recorded a profit in the new era of professional rugby," Tom said.

The balance sheet revealed a 12 per cent increase in turnover to £5m, and Tom explained: "This increase in turnover reflects the strong and continuing growth of our supporter base and the increase in income from sponsorship and commercial activities."

The Tigers' famed following now numbers some 10,000 season ticket holders and average attendances at league matches in the period covered by the accounts were 11,700.

The sponsorship and commercial side has increased 18 per cent to £2.6m, and operating costs have been cut by £1.16m.