Rugby Australia has announced a record operating surplus of $70.6 million for the 2025 financial year.
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.
Read the full 2025 Rugby Australia Annual Report here
Rugby Australia finished the year with a monster surplus and cash reserves of $31.4 million in 2025, setting the code up for the future.
This allowed the organisation to exit its credit facility with Pacific Equity Partners well ahead of schedule, repaying the loan as total revenue eclipsed $260 million.
“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.
“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.”
The success translates throughout the business, with a total of 373,168 fans attending 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.
At a community level, the launch of the ‘Get Into Rugby’ program achieved 24% year-on-year growth, while senior club participation increased by 4% and now exceeds pre-COVID levels.
On top of this, accredited coaches in 2025 rose by 17%, with female accredited coaches up in excess of 40%, while match officials increased by 24% and volunteers by 7%.
“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," RA Chair Daniel Herbert added.
“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 also confirmed 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.
