NSW Rugby and the Waratahs boards have formally united, after Friday night's annual general meeting, as the organisations reported a break-even year.
The organisations have been working as one on a day-to-day basis for more than a year, but they had not officially united at a board level until this week.
NSW also recorded a $14,230 profit result for 2017, effectively breaking even, down from a $262,611 profit in 2016, with the latter boosted largely off the back of an enlarged broadcast deal.
Drops in sponsorship, gate takings and a reduced Rugby AU contribution, were some of the major factors in a reduced revenue for NSW in 2017.
On the flipside, the organisation almost halved its marketing spend in 2017, helping to avoid a net loss.
NSW Rugby and Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said the groups' unification was an important official step for the groups.
“This decision follows an extensive consultation process with all key parties and to have our affiliates recognise the importance of this decision for growing rugby in New South Wales, speaks volumes for the direction of our sport," he said.
“Bringing together two organisations is never a straightforward process but we are proving that as a State we value unity and we make decisions that will enhance the growth and development of the game.
“We recognise that 2017 was a challenging year for us for a range of reasons but it was encouraging to report a stable financial position at our AGM. This also underlines our commitment to continue to make rugby the sport of choice for men and women, and girls and boys in our state."
As part of their restructure, NSW has introduced a number of councils to act as links between the board and its affiiliates, a move Hore said was aligned with best practice recommendations from the Australian Sports Commission.
“The introduction of advisory councils, including country, metro and elite will serve as an intermediary between the Board and affiliates and will provide for the co-ordination of strategy and operational issues across all stakeholders,”he said.
Former Wallaby Marty Roebuck has been appointed NSW Rugby president, while Al Baxter will be his vice-president.
