'There were no surprises in the number, but it's not a good number': ARU chief Bill Pulver. Credit:Getty Images It has been over ten years since the ARU recorded a bigger deficit. A $7.5m deficit in 2011 was followed up by further financial troubles in 2012 ($8.3m), but a British & Irish Lions tour in 2013 contributed significantly to the ARU's surplus of $19.5m for that year. Pulver, who has been chief executive of the ARU since February 2013, said financial results in 2015 were not ideal but believed there would light at the end of the tunnel. "It's not something we're proud of, but it is something we forecast," Pulver said. "There were no surprises in the number, but it's not a good number. We knew that 2015 was going to be the last of a series of extremely difficult financial years. We knew that when we started working with the Rebels around their situation that that would exacerbate the problem."

Pulver argued 2015 was a tougher year than most because only two Test matches were held in Australia and there was no major June tour that brought over a touring side. "It becomes very, very tough," said Pulver of the strain of fewer Tests being played on Australian soil. "Very substantial contributor to our revenues are home Test matches where you get sponsorship support and you get game attendance ticket sales, so it's absolutely key." Pulver is confident, however, a new broadcast agreement from 2016-2020, which will provide at extra $170m over the next five years in comparison to the previous deal, will leave the game in a better financial state than the current numbers show. "Another $34 million in broadcast revenue per annum is a far more attractive forecast for 2016 to 2020," Pulver said. "Thankfully back onto a far more stable base in terms of the game's financials." A three-Test series against England in Australia, plus the Rugby Championship and a Spring Tour to the UK in November should ease the ARU's financial pain during the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, rugby participation across the country increased by 2.7 per cent in 2015, but a 7.6 per cent decline in club XV participation has once again thrown the spotlight on whether rugby is being deserted for other major footballing codes. However, the ARU says growth in club sevens, non-contact VIVA7s and schools rugby programs will fill the void of evaporating club players. "I'm not happy with the figure," said Pulver of the decline in club rugby XV players. "Overall I still think there's probably a decline in regular clubs fifteens which is problematic and we want to address, but the really good news is the new parts of the game like women's sevens grew 33 per cent. There are a lot of codes out there vying for the hearts and minds of young fans and young players and we've got to make sure we've got the right strategy in place to win our fair share." ARU chairman Cameron Clyne said: "Certainly there are substantial challenges facing us, but there are also significant opportunities. Investing confidently in our strategic priorities will place us in the best possible fashion to achieve our vision: to inspire all Australians to enjoy our great global game."