Rugby Australia have revealed that the British and Irish Lions tour has transformed its finances, leaving them debt-free following a record operating surplus for 2025 of just over $70million.
The union was in turmoil coming out of Rugby World Cup 2023, but an organisation-wide reset the following year positioned them to take full advantage of the arrival of Andy Farrell’s Lions.
That nine-game tour, coupled with match-day revenue generated across the year, was valued at $146.8m. This helped Rugby Australia to pay off what remained of an $80m loan taken out in 2023, leaving officials buoyant about the turnaround ahead of Australia hosting Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029.
Following the Rugby Australia AGM in Sydney on Wednesday, a statement read: “Following a comprehensive reset of the organisation in 2024, Rugby Australia exceeded projections with a $70.6million surplus and cash reserves of $31.4m in 2025, providing the foundation for a sustainable and successful operating model into the future.
“Exit its credit facility ahead of schedule…”
“The strong financial performance on total revenue of $262.2m allowed Rugby Australia to exit its credit facility ahead of schedule and accelerate plans to establish an investment fund with the proceeds of the 2025 British and Irish Lions series and the 2027 and 2029 men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups to safeguard the future of the game in Australia.
“The result, driven in large part by the Lions tour and matchday revenue of $146.8 million, comes at an exciting time for Australian rugby as the game enters the first year of a new, upweighted broadcast deal with Nine Entertainment and participates in the inaugural Nations Championship tournament.”
Phil Waugh, Rugby Australia’s managing director and CEO, said: “This is an historic and energising period for Australian rugby, and a record operating surplus allows us to look ahead to the future with clarity and confidence. We are delivering on our promise to reset the game’s finances, restore pride and set a new strategic course for Australian rugby.
“We have made great progress in ensuring the proceeds of our major events – including last year’s record-breaking British & Irish Lions tour – will set up our game to thrive long-term.
“From our teams in gold to our thriving community game, Australian rugby is strong, connected and aligned. A period of resilience has transitioned to an era of opportunity and Australian rugby, with its dedicated team and well-defined strategy, is well-positioned to capitalise on it.”
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Rugby Australia chair Daniel Herbert added: “An aligned and united Australian rugby can achieve great things, and it is therefore pleasing that, together with our member unions and key stakeholders, Rugby Australia is today announcing a strong result for 2025.
“Following a comprehensive organisational reset in 2024, Australian rugby now has an excellent platform as we prepare for the generational opportunities presented by the home men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029, respectively.
“There is still much work ahead as we build a successful and sustainable model for Australian Rugby. But, given the great strides we have made in recent years, I am more confident than ever in the strategic direction and delivery of our great game at all levels.”
A total of 373,168 fans attended the Wallabies’ seven domestic Tests in 2025 at an average of 53,308 – an all-time Australian record for a non-home Rugby World Cup season. This included the record Lions’ attendance of 90,307 filling the MCG for the second Test, while Wallabies Tests in Sydney (twice), Brisbane and Perth were sold out.
Super Rugby Pacific also enjoyed a strong year in 2025, with attendance (+6 per cent) and ratings (+27 per cent on Stan Sport and +13 per cent on Nine) for Super Rugby Pacific experiencing growth.
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