New Zealand Rugby advises of significant profit downturn through 2018 financial year

April 23, 2019

New Zealand Rugby has reported a small loss of $1.86 million for the 2018 financial year, contrasting with a $33.4 million profit for 2017.

Income also fell significantly, from a high of $257.3 million in 2017, a year when the British and Irish Lions toured the country, to $189.5 million last year.

A written commentary on the result signed by New Zealand Rugby Chair, Brent Impey and Chief Executive, Steve Tew, noted that while they were “pleased” with the outcome, “these are still challenging times for rugby… our long-term financial projections still show us spending more money than we are earning.”

The statement advised “while the upcoming broadcast deal and advancements in digital technology will provide us with short-term revenue gains, the costs of our game continue to escalate… there are no silver bullets.”

Commenting on the country’s successful bid to host the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the pair advised that they could not “overstate how much of a highlight it was to be in Dublin for the announcement”.

New Zealand was chosen to stage the event by World Rugby at its Council meeting in the Irish capital last November, beating only rivals Australia by 25 votes to 17.

Broadcast rights remained the biggest source of income for New Zealand Rugby in 2018, generating $73.3 million, down from $104.6 million the previous year.

Sponsorship and licensing income was not far behind, at $68.1 million, up from $62.5 million, while match-day income fell to $28.1 million, down from $64.6 million.

On the expenditure side, administration accounted for only $13.3 million - or around 7% - of the total of $191.4 million for 2018.

Game development absorbed $31.6 million, while competitions accounted for $88.5 million and so-called “teams in black” $57.3 million.

The All Blacks will attempt to secure a third consecutive World Cup victory, and a record fourth overall, in Japan later this year.

However, the Rugby World Cup will see fewer Tests staged in New Zealand during the current season which is likely to put further downward pressure on New Zealand Rugby's income.

Image: The All Blacks at Eden Park.

4th April 2019 - Super Rugby’s Crusaders to review name and branding after Christchurch massacre

2nd April 2019 - New Zealand Rugby partners with Oceania Rugby to deliver rugby programmes in the Pacific region

1st April 2019 - World Rugby looks for backing for new Nations Championship concept from key stakeholders

22nd March 2019 - SANZAAR to axe Sunwolves from Super Rugby after 2020 season

14th March 2019 - Hamilton gets extended run with World Rugby Sevens Series event

7th February 2019 - 2019 Rugby World Cup approaches sell-out

16th November 2018 - New Zealand secures 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup hosting

8th August 2018 - New Zealand Rugby calls meeting to help fans tackle ticket resellers

28th June 2018 - Sport NZ survey shows significant drop in activity participation among teenagers

26th April 2018 - All Blacks to play in Christchurch in 2018

3rd March 2018 - Lions tour helps deliver 2017 profit for New Zealand Rugby

20th December 2017 - All Blacks experience will bring fans closer to their rugby heroes

6th June 2017 - Eden Park ready to host British and Irish Lions matches

26th April 2017 - New Zealand Rugby 2017 Festival to deliver economic benefits

15th December 2011 - 93% of Kiwis caught Rugby World Cup action

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.