Irish Rugby chief executive Kevin Pott with the IRFU’s annual accounts for 2024/25
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced a strengthened financial performance for the 2024-25 season, significantly reducing its operating deficit by over €14 million (£12.36m) compared to the previous year.
For the fiscal year ending July 31, 2025, the deficit registered at €4.2m (£3.7m), a notable improvement from the €18.4m (£16.25m) deficit recorded 12 months prior.
The union reported total income of €98m (£86.55m), marking an annual increase of €18.8m (£16.5m).
This revenue growth was primarily attributed to increased matchday earnings, enhanced commercial partnerships, and higher broadcast revenues.
Factors contributing to the overall improved financial standing include projected revenues from the return of the autumn nations series, highlighted by the 150th-anniversary match against Australia at Aviva Stadium.
The IRFU affirms its “robust” financial health and anticipates achieving a breakeven position for the 2025-26 season, largely due to the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and the lucrative Test match against New Zealand in Chicago this month.
The newly established Nations Championship is also projected to provide enhanced financial stability over the next decade.
The governing body disclosed cash and cash investments totaling €62.6m (£55.28m), with no outstanding debt and net assets valued at €81.6m (£72.06m).
The union stated that they are committed to increasing investment across all facets of Irish rugby, including €9.4m (£8.3m) allocated to the women’s game, representing a €1.1m (£971,000) increase from the previous year and more than quadrupling the investment level since 2020-21.
A total of €16.4m (£14.48m) was allocated to the domestic and community game, including €2m (£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.”