Rugby Australia (RA) has announced a record operating surplus of A$70.625 million (US$50.578 million) for the 2025 financial year as a result of the financial windfall from the the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
This represented a sharp turnaround from the deficit of $36.837 million in the year ended 31 December 2024.
“It doubles the previous record set in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, off the back of the most profitable British & Irish Lions tour in its history,” the peak body for rugby union in Australia said in a media release.
Revenue and other income surged 108% to $262.245 million while operating expenditure increased 38% to $215.894 million, according to the 2025 annual report.
Match revenue surged more than three times to $146.758 million and sponsorship more than doubled to $55.38 million although broadcast revenue fell 23% to $37.825,
RA finished the year with a cash reserves of $31.4 million which allowed the organisation to exit its $80 million credit facility from private equity firm Pacific Equity Partners (PEP), which was taken out in 2023 to cover a deficit.
“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," RA CEO Phil Waugh said.
“We are delivering on our promise to reset the game’s finances, restore pride and set a new strategic course for Australian Rugby.
“And 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.”
A total of 373,168 fans attended the Wallabies’ seven domestic Tests in 2025 at an average of 53,308, a record for a non-home Rugby World Cup season, with a record Lions’ attendance of 90,307 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the second Test.
“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,” Rugby Australia Chair Daniel Herbert said.
“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.”
