The Australian Rugby Union has announced an extraordinary $9.19 million turnaround in its financial fortunes last year.
The ARU says it has recorded a surplus of $712,000, wiping a deficit of $8.48 million in 2007.
Chief executive John O'Neil said the ARU was in big trouble when he return to the helm in June, 2007.
Since then he has scrapped the controversial natiional championship, pulled Australia A out of the Pacific Nations Cup, cut pay for players and staff and shed jobs.
Revenue's risen four per cent with gate takings up almost 50 per cent to $21.78 million from six tests last year, more than justifying the appointment of New Zealander Robbie Deans as Wallabies coach.
A fourth Bledisloe Cup clash in Hong Kong last year also helped restore cash reserves to $15 million, in what O'Neill says is a huge turnaround.
