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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Lions<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> hosting Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029.<\/p>\n Following the Rugby Australia AGM in Sydney on Wednesday<\/a>, a statement read: \u201cFollowing 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.<\/p>\n \u201cExit its credit facility ahead of schedule\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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\u2019s and women\u2019s Rugby World Cups to safeguard the future of the game in Australia.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Phil Waugh, Rugby Australia\u2019s managing director and CEO, said: \u201cThis 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\u2019s finances, restore pride and set a new strategic course for Australian rugby.<\/p>\n Tadhg Furlong on \u2018marmite\u2019 Henry Pollock\u2019, a fourth Lions tour and why Joe Schmidt shouldn\u2019t get a \u2018tough rap\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n Ex-All Black claims New Zealand have been \u2018left in the stone ages\u2019 as he calls for Super Rugby to be disbanded<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe have made great progress in ensuring the proceeds of our major events \u2013 including last year\u2019s record-breaking British & Irish Lions tour \u2013 will set up our game to thrive long-term.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n Rugby Australia chair Daniel Herbert added: \u201cAn 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.<\/p>\n \u201cFollowing 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\u2019s and women\u2019s Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029, respectively.<\/p>\n Wallabies star reveals how he \u2018struggled getting in and out of the car\u2019 after gruelling 2025 campaign<\/a><\/p>\n