The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has reported an improved financial position for the 2024-25 season, with their operating deficit having been reduced by more than 14 million euros (£12.36m) on the previous year.
For the year ending 31 July 2025, its deficit was 4.2m euros (£3.7m), down from 18.4m euros (£16.25m) 12 months earlier.
The union received income of 98m euros (£86.55m), an annual rise of 18.8m euros (£16.5m).
The main reasons for that increase were matchday revenues, commercial partnerships and broadcast revenues.
Factors in the overall improved financial position specifically include expected revenues from the return of the autumn nations series, which included the 150th anniversary match against Australia at Aviva Stadium.
The IRFU say it remains in a “robust” financial position and expects to return to a breakeven position for the 2025-26 season, in large part because of the British and Irish Lions tour and this month’s lucrative Test against New Zealand in Chicago.
The newly launched Nations Championship is also expected to provide improved financial stability over the next decade.
The governing body revealed cash and cash investments of 62.6m euros (£55.28m), no debt and net assets of 81.6m euros (£72.06m).
The union have explained that they continue to increase investment across all levels of rugby in Ireland, including 9.4m euros (£8.3m) directed towards the women’s game, up 1.1m (£971,000) from the previous year and more than quadruple the level of 2020-21.
A total of 16.4m euros (£14.48m) was allocated to the domestic and community game, which includes 2m euros (£1.77m) in exceptional grants and matched-funding initiatives with provinces.
“While our finances are in a stable position due to a strong balance sheet, and we do not expect to go into debt at any point over the next decade, we must continue to remain focused on long-term sustainability, cost efficiency, and investing in the areas that will deliver on the ambitions set out in our strategic plan,” said IRFU chief financial officer Thelma O’Driscoll.
“We need to get to a breakeven position across each four-year cycle, and despite an improved performance this year this is still some way off where we need to be.
“While the union benefits from major fixtures and touring events, we cannot rely on them to underpin our finances every year. We are actively challenging our cost base and identifying new revenue streams and the IRFU’s current projections indicate a breakeven outcome, though this remains dependent on future financial performance.
“Our focus remains on ensuring Irish Rugby’s financial strength supports continued excellence on and off the field.”
