Now that is nearly 20m loss in 2 years and they(aru) are reliant on the Lions tour (once every 12 years) to bring the books back in order.The Australian Rugby Union has recorded another large deficit but predicts a welcome surplus in 2013 thanks to the blockbuster British and Irish Lions tour.
The ARU on Monday announced a net deficit of $8.3 million – a $2.3 million improvement on 2011 – at their first annual general meeting under a newly-adopted constitution.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby-gold ... 6429465272
He will remain the clubs backer but for how long is the question.......MELBOURNE Rebels chairman and chief financial backer Harold Mitchell intends to step down before the end of the year. But he won't take his cash with him.
Media buyer Mitchell helped bring the Rebels to Melbourne in 2009.
Increasing business commitments have seen him spend less time involved with the Rebels.
Mitchell will remain the Rebels' major financial backer and have a representative sit on the club board.


