IRFU reveals improved financial position in 2024-25

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) reported a better financial position for the 2024-2025 season, with a 12.36 million euro reduction in their operating deficit.

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).

Matchday revenues, commercial partnerships, and broadcast revenues were the main drivers of that increase.

Factors that contribute to the overall better financial position, particularly include anticipated revenues from the return of the autumn nations series, which included the 150th anniversary game against Australia at Aviva Stadium.

The IRFU claims to be in a “robust” financial position and anticipates a breakeven for the 2025-26 season in large part as a result of the British and Irish Lions’ tour and this month’s lucrative Test against New Zealand in Chicago.

Over the next ten years, the newly launched Nations Championship is anticipated to improve financial stability.

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 has stated that they are continuing to invest in rugby across Ireland’s various levels, with an increase of 1.1 million (£971, 000) from the previous year and more than quadrupling the amount for 2020-21.

The domestic and community game received a total of 16.4 million euros (£14.48 million), which includes 2 million euros (1.77 million) in special grants and province-specific matched-funding initiatives.

Our finances are stable thanks to a strong balance sheet, and we do not anticipate incurring debt in the next ten years, according to IRFU’s chief financial officer Thelma O’Driscoll. “We must continue to be focused on long-term sustainability, cost efficiency, and investing in the areas that will deliver the goals set out in our strategic plan.”

“We must achieve breakeven every four-year cycle, and despite improved performance this year, we are still far from where we need to be.”

We cannot rely on them to sustain our finances every year, despite the union’s benefit from significant fixtures and international touring events. The IRFU’s current projections indicate a break-even result, though this is still influenced by future financial performance. We are actively challenging our cost base and finding new revenue sources.