NZ Rugby talks up financial position despite $47 million deficit

New Zealand Rugby has reported a financial loss of almost $50 million for the year, but maintains it's in a good financial position. In its annual report presented at the AGM in Wellington today the NZR revealed a financial year loss of $47 million, a reversal of the $5 and a half million surplus of the previous year. Record revenue of $271m, up from $189m the previous year, was offset by operating expenses of $277m (up from $135m). Twenty-one million dollars was spent on women and girls' rugby specifically, excluding the World Cup, with an increased investment in the Black Ferns and Super Rugby Aupiki's inaugural year. "The Silver Lake transaction allowed us to inject nearly $40m into our community clubs, provincial unions, Super Rugby clubs, our players' pool, associate members and Māori rugby, while also increasing our investment in women's rugby," said Robinson.