Rugby Australia Announces Record $70.6 Million Surplus Following Lions Tour

Rugby Australia has delivered a landmark financial result at its Annual General Meeting in Sydney today, announcing a record operating surplus of $70.6 million for the 2025 financial year.

The result marks a dramatic turnaround following the organisational reset of 2024, underpinned by the commercial windfall of the 2025 British & Irish Lions series and a surge in domestic matchday revenue.

The governing body reported total revenue of $262.2 million, with matchday earnings accounting for $146.8 million. This performance has allowed Rugby Australia to exit its credit facility ahead of schedule and hold cash reserves of $31.4 million.

Strategically, the surplus will be used to establish a long-term investment fund, intended to safeguard the sport’s future ahead of hosting the 2027 Men’s and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cups.

Strategic and Community Gains

Beyond the professional tier, the ‘Get Into Rugby’ program drove a 24% year-on-year increase in junior registrations (ages 4-7). Community participation in senior XVs has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, supported by a 17% rise in accredited coaches and a 24% increase in match officials.

Commenting how the financial recovery allows the code to operate with renewed clarity, Rugby Australia 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.”

“A period of resilience has transitioned to an era of opportunity,” Waugh said. 

Echoing this sentiment, and noting the importance of unity across Member Unions, Rugby Australia chair, Daniel Herbert, added: “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.” 

Rugby Australi’s Record-Breaking Engagement

The 2025 season saw unprecedented public interest in the Wallabies, with 373,168 fans attending seven domestic Tests, an average of 53,308 per match.

This represents an all-time Australian record for a non-World Cup year. Key highlights included:

• MCG Record: 90,307 fans attended the second Lions Test in Melbourne.
• Sell-out Success: Tests in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth reached maximum capacity.
• Broadcast Growth: Super Rugby Pacific ratings grew by 27% on Stan Sport and 13% on Nine.

Governance and Leadership

The AGM also confirmed the unanimous re-election of Kristy Giteau as president for a second term. Additionally, members approved constitutional updates to align with the Australian Sports Commission’s mandatory recognition criteria ahead of the July 2026 deadline.

Click here to view Rugby Australia’s 2025 Official Annual Report.

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