Irish Rugby: The IFRU has reported an improved financial position for the 2024-25 season

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced an improved financial position for the 2024-25 season, with the operating deficit reduced by more than €14m (£12.36m) on the previous year.

For the year ending 31 July 2025, the deficit was €4.2m (£3.7m), down from €18.4m (£16.25m) 12 months earlier.

The federation received an income of €98 million (£86.55 million), an annual increase of €18.8 million (£16.5 million).

The main reasons for this 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 says it remains in a “strong” financial position and expects to return to a break-even position for the 2025-26 season, largely due to 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 better financial stability over the next decade.

The governing body revealed cash and equity investments of €62.6m (£55.28m), no debt and net assets of €81.6m (£72.06m).

The union said it continues to increase investment across all levels of rugby in Ireland, including €9.4 million (£8.3 million) directed towards the women’s game, an increase of €1.1 million (£971,000) on the previous year and more than four times the 2020-21 level.

A total of €16.4m (£14.48m) has been allocated to the local and community game, which includes €2m (£1.77m) in exceptional grants and county matching funding initiatives.

Thelma O’Driscoll, IRFU chief financial officer, said: “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 time over the next decade, we must continue to focus on long-term sustainability, cost efficiency, and investing in areas that will deliver on the ambitions set out in our strategic plan.”

“We need to break even during each four-year cycle, and although performance has improved this year, this is still far from where we need to be.

“While the IRFU benefits from major matches and tourism events, we cannot rely on them to support our finances every year. We are actively challenging our cost base and identifying new revenue streams and the IRFU’s current forecasts point to a break-even result, although this remains dependent on future financial performance.

“Our focus remains on ensuring that the financial strength of Irish Rugby supports continued excellence on and off the field.”