In the red: Australian Rugby Union reveals details of its worst financial losses in over a decade
The ARU recorded a deficit of almost A$10 million (HK$59.2m) last year the organisation has told its stakeholders
Australian Rugby Union (ARU) recorded a deficit of almost A$10 million (HK$59.2m) last year in its worst result in over a decade, the organisation has told stakeholders.
It’s not something we’re proud of, but it is something we forecast
The governing body’s financial predicament worsened after losses of A$9.8m in the 12 months to December 31 followed a A$6.3m deficit in 2014.
The result was compounded by the ARU paying A$5m to keep the troubled Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise afloat.
“There were no surprises in the number, but it’s not a good number.
“We knew that 2015 was going to be the last of a series of extremely difficult financial years. We knew that when we started working with the Rebels around their situation that that would exacerbate the problem.”
Pulver said 2015 was a tougher year than most because, with the World Cup taking place in England, only two test matches were held in Australia and there was no June tour that brought over a major national side.
