The Australian Rugby Union has announced a $19.5 million (€13.3 million) surplus for 2013, in a year that saw the return of the British & Irish Lions to Australia; increased participation; a new Head Coach for the Qantas Wallabies; and a new strategy to grow the game.
“The British & Irish Lions Tour generated a significant surplus for us in 2013 and will help steer Australian Rugby towards future success on and off the field,” said Australian Rugby Union Chairman Michael Hawker.
“We continue to play an important role in the Australian sporting landscape for fans, players, sponsors and volunteers and have three key areas of focus under the new strategy – expand participation; develop elite success; and unlock our financial potential.”
Hawker said building a sustainable financial model for Australian Rugby remains the number one priority for the Board and Executive in the year ahead as operating deficits are expected for 2014 and 2015.
Critical
The critical importance of the British & Irish Lions Tour – including three Tests – is reflected in the incremental surplus of $35m over what would ordinarily be expected from a typical summer Test series.
The Group ran a deficit of $8 million on its normal activities and also supplied $5.5 million to one of the leading club sides during the year.
the ARU invested an additional $2 million in Sevens development, generating a 40% increase in players to as little over 50,000. That still remains less than 10% of the 15’s playing population.
Australian Rugby obviously faces serious financial challenges to become a more consistently funded sports governing body. The importance of the nationals airline Quantas’ involvement is reflected by continual references to the national team as the Quantas Wallabies.
‘Three Emeralds’?
Might we see brand power look for a change in the northern hemisphere and an eventual rebranding of the ‘Three Emeralds’ or the ‘O2 Roses’?
Sport may pride itself on tradition but in an evolving commercial landscape there is a precedent for brands to become more integrated, even at national level.
The AGM and Annual Report of the IRFU is expected in July and will be covered in full on Sport for Business.
