ACT Brumbies bank record cash, but warn Super Rugby broadcast deal is crucial

The Brumbies are expected to be the only Australian club to bank money this year despite disappointing crowd numbers and the Israel Folau drama engulfing the game.

The Brumbies reported a $63,344 profit, rising from $57,393 last year and $14,361 in 2017 to continue an upward trend.

The unpredictable rugby climate and ongoing uncertainty about broadcast deals and crowd numbers could see the Brumbies take a hit next year, which would be a body blow to the Canberra franchise.

But Nobbs hoped Australian rugby officials would acknowledge and celebrate the work to turnaround the Brumbies' finances, which was bolstered by an 8 per cent increase in men's 15-a-side players and a 25-per cent jump for women in Canberra.

"We got there through hard work more than anything, it's a credit to the staff," Nobbs said.

"I'm surprised at the lack of credit sometimes. The fact it's the third year in a row we've made a profit, we performed well on the field ... there's more to rugby in Australia than the big states.

"I take a view we can only really look after our patch. You can't worry about things you can't control. The distractions [which plagued the game this year] have gone."

It can be revealed major sponsor Plus500 has extended its deal for at least one more year, with the Brumbies to work with the Israel-based company on a longer-term extension.

All four Australian teams are facing tough financial times, with NSW chairman Roger Davis warning the clubs would go bust unless there was a broadcast deal increase.

Rugby Australia is negotiating with Fox Sports and other parties about a new deal for 2021 and beyond, with clubs desperate for another cash injection.

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Asked if the Brumbies were in financial danger, Nobbs said: "The viability of the whole business will depend on how this broadcast deal pans out. If we can get an uplift, that will ease the pressure."

There was only one board position up for election at the Brumbies' annual general meeting on Thursday night, with Nobbs standing unopposed and then being re-elected as chairman.

It means Nobbs is now serving his last two-year term after the Brumbies implemented governance changes to limit directors to a maximum of six years in the wake of upheaval of past years.

Nobbs said boardroom stability had helped the Brumbies find solid ground on and off the field after a tumultuous period for most of the past decade.

Crowd numbers increased from the 2018 numbers, but were still at less than 9000 per game.

The financial turnaround came from a strong turnout of almost 500 people at a world in union fundraising lunch, a women in rugby function and the early departure of several key players, which eased salary cap pressure.

Nobbs acknowledge releasing David Pocock, Christian Lealiifano, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold and Henry Speight gave the Brumbies an unexpected financial boost to help them report a profit, but also pointed to other Australian franchises also losing some of their highest-paid players but unable to turn it into a financial boost.

The Brumbies, operating as ACT Rugby Union and set up as a not-for-profit, walk a fine line between devastating losses and being able to reinvest money into Canberra rugby.

"I've always believed good people make good decisions, and we've got good people around the [board] table," Nobbs said.

"We've made some governance changes ... I think we've got the balance right. It's tight and it always will be and we have to work through that."

Brumbies spending increased to 19.58 million, including "other expenses" jumping from $791,367 to $1.5 million on the balance sheet.