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According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Rugby is set to enjoy a financial boost thanks to a new TV deal that CEO Bill Pulver hopes will be inked within two months.
Pulver acknowledged the serious financial challenges faced by the ARU, and said that the insolvency was a possibility before cost-saving measures were implemented.
“Look, 12 to 18 months ago, that [insolvency] was a very real possibility.
“I’m pleased to say all of the initiatives we have implemented over the past 18 months mean I am now very comfortable we are going to get through 2015. So that’s a really good outcome in the face of a very challenging environment.”
Pulver said he was confident that the new deal, which retains Foxtel as a live broadcaster of all Super Rugby and Wallabies matches, would see Australia into a better financial position.
Under the new deal, Network Ten would show all Wallabies matches live, as well as a replay of one Super Rugby game each week. It would be the first time in over a decade Super Rugby has shown entire matches on free-to-air television in a decade.
“Australian rugby will be in a much better shape from 2016 through to 2020. We’ve been through a broadcast negotiation that has typically been very tense.
“We’ve resolved the negotiations around who gets what share and that’s been a very co-operative negotiation.
“I think it’s been a very fair outcome for all unions. The final stage is to finalise the agreements, which I’m hopeful will be done within 60 days.”
Much like Football Federation Australia’s much talked about plan for the future of the game, Pulver said it was essential that plans and funds were put in place to secure the code’s future.
“We will put together a future fund to make sure if you get to any bumps in the road you are properly prepared.
“We will have money to cover the losses of the ARU, we want to fund Super Rugby properly so it’s stable and then, most importantly, look at what investment monies we have for the development of the game.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.