Rugby Australia has announced a record operating surplus for the 2025 financial year at its Annual General Meeting in Sydney today.
Following a comprehensive reset of the organisation in 2024, Rugby Australia exceeded projections with a $70.6 million surplus and cash reserves of $31.4 million in 2025, providing the foundation for a sustainable and successful operating model into the future.
The strong financial performance on total revenue of $262.2 million 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 & 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.
Click here to view Rugby Australia's 2025 Annual Report.
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.
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. A record Lions' attendance of 90,307 filled the MCG for the second Test, while Wallabies Tests in Sydney (twice), Brisbane and Perth were sold-out.
The Women's Rugby World Cup in England in 2025 was a highlight of the global sporting calendar and broke multiple records with 147 million global broadcast viewing hours. The tournament capped a year of growth for the Wallaroos as the squad enters a new World Cup cycle ahead of a home tournament in 2029.
The Australian Women Sevens claimed gold in Dubai and Perth to finish the 2025 HSBC SVNS series as runners-up to New Zealand, while the Australian Men claimed two podium finishes.
Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women's competitions also enjoyed strong years in 2025. Attendance (+6%) and ratings (+27% on Stan Sport and +13% on Nine) for Super Rugby Pacific experienced pleasing growth in 2025 in a high-scoring season that saw the ACT Brumbies and Queensland Reds qualify for the finals. And a thrilling Super Rugby Women's season was decided by an entertaining grand final at North Sydney Oval with the NSW Waratahs defeating the Reds.
At a community level, the launch of the 'Get Into Rugby' program achieved outstanding 24% year-on-year growth in players aged four-to-seven registered to clubs, while senior XVs club participation numbers now exceed pre-COVID levels.
In addition, accredited coaches in 2025 rose by 17%, with female accredited coaches up in excess of 40%. Match officials increased by 24% and volunteers by 7%.
Rugby Australia Managing Director & CEO Phil Waugh 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. 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.
"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."
Rugby Australia Chair Daniel Herbert said:
"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."
Rugby Australia is also pleased to confirm the unanimous re-election of Kristy Giteau as President for a second term following amendments to Rugby Australia's Constitution which were approved unanimously by its Voting Members along with necessary updates to align with the Australian Sports Commission's minimum recognition criteria for national sporting organisations ahead of the ASC's compliance deadline of July 1, 2026.
ENDS
