Lions officials are attempting to end a “terrible” deal that will see Australia bank an estimated £50million from this summer’s three-Test tour while the Four Home Unions will collect just £1.5m each.
It is understood that a new TV deal, starting with the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand, will see them receive a share of the multi-million pound contract for rights sold by the host nation.
At present, the SANZAR Unions — South Africa, New Zealand and Australia — keep that money, with the Lions unable to claim a slice of the pie.
However, growing disquiet from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales over the handling of the last contract has seen a much tougher stance being taken at negotiations.
The Australian Rugby Union are hoping to clear most of their mounting debts — they reported losses of £12.2m for the last two years — thanks to the income generated through the nine Lions matches, sponsorship and the existing television deal.
“The ARU are at a financial crossroads. That is why this tour is so important,” said former Wallaby Joe Roff.
In contrast, it is expected that the Four Home Unions will share £6m from the tour profits. As one leading England official said today: “The last television deal with SANZAR appeared to go through on the nod and I sat there thinking, ‘This is a bit of an old boy’s act,’ and that is why the Lions are taking a very different view.
“This new contract will get the attention it deserves and by getting access to the television revenue of the host country will open up a new financial stream for everyone in the Four Home Unions.
“All we want is a fair financial model because the current one is terrible.”
It is costing the Lions £14m to embark on this summer’s tour , which is funded by a number of major sponsorship deals and television rights sold in the UK.
The Lions players will receive £45,000 each for taking part in the tour. That will rise to £67,000 if they win all the matches.
The Lions pay £50,000 to clubs and provinces for each player selected for the tour as compensation and Premiership chiefs will expect a larger share if a new television deal is struck.
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