ARU points finger at Wales for losses

The Australian Rugby Union will post a financial loss this year – and they blamed Wales’ decision to tour with a weakened squad as a significant factor in the shortfall.

ARU budgeted for a loss in World Cup year but chief executive John O’Neill explained today it will be greater than expected.

And he pinned much of the blame on Wales and South Africa, who both rested high-profile players for their Tests against the Wallabies this summer.

Head coach Gareth Jenkins omitted the likes of Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel from Wales’ two-Test tour so they could begin World Cup preparations in a training camp at home.

As a result, the ARU were hit by lower-than-expected crowd attendances, with only around 50,000 turning up for Australia’s thrilling first Test win over Wales in Sydney.

O’Neill said: “The ARU will record a loss this year, that was not only expected, but budgeted for in this Rugby World Cup year.

“However the position has been exacerbated by other influences, including the Welsh and Springboks sending us second-string teams.

“While we are working hard at reducing costs and maximising revenue at the ARU, it is difficult in a World Cup year.

“We always do better financially in the three years when there is no World Cup and each Nation’s team is at full strength.

“The International Rugby Board is holding a special meeting in November to discuss the concept of an integrated season, with a view to stopping what happened this year.”

O’Neill will not confirm the exact loss until the end of the year but reports in Australia suggest it could be in the region of €3.7m.

The ARU have also been hit by the cost of launching the new Australian national championship and by currency fluctuations, which affect broadcasting deals struck in American dollars.