The spectacular collapse of Western Force sponsor Firepower has failed to halt RugbyWA's run in the black, with the parent body of the Force declaring a $851,913 profit for the 2008 financial year.

The Force, and some of their players including stars Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorship arrangements when Firepower, a fuel technology company, collapsed.

"For the second consecutive year we are pleased to announce a surplus of over $850,000, which is a tremendous result when you factor in the sponsorship monies lost through the collapse of Firepower," RugbyWA chairman Geoff Stooke said.

However, RugbyWA will struggle to post a similar profit next year.

The Force are averaging just 18,322 fans to their home games this season, well down on what they've attracted in previous years.

The root of the problem lies with the viewing arrangements at Subiaco Oval, with fans clearly displeased at the distance they are from the action at a venue designed for AFL.

The Force are planning to switch their home games to the rectangular Members Equity Stadium from 2010.

"The reality is ... that RugbyWA, just like any business, is now facing some significant challenges during the current difficult economic times," Stooke said.

"Key areas of revenue including sponsorship, corporate hospitality, memberships and gate receipts from our match days have all been impacted by the global economic situation.

"The 2008 surplus ... will enable RugbyWA to continue its investment at the grassroots level of the game, which will include paying the player insurance costs for all senior clubs, thus lowering the participation costs for players."

The Force face a battle to earn a maiden finals berth this season, with the WA club sitting five points adrift of the top four ahead of a bye this week.

Stooke was re-elected chairman for the next two years at Monday night's annual general meeting, with Tony Howarth and Steve Fink elected onto the two available board positions.

Terry Bradbury, who was replaced by Howarth, stepped down from his position on the board after more than 30 years of service to RugbyWA.

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