Rugby Australia confirms $80m debt deal with Pacific Equity Partners after losing major sponsor

Rugby Australia will have the capacity to borrow $80m over the next five years after striking a deal with Pacific Equity Partners to safeguard the game.

After flirting with private equity, taking on debt had been forecast by former RA chairman Hamish McLennan and was confirmed on Friday by chief executive Phil Waugh - a day after losing Harvey Norman as a major sponsor.

While RA's finances are not currently rosy, there are major cash cows on the horizon with the British and Irish Lions touring Australia in 2025 and then home Rugby World Cups in 2027 (men) and 2029 (women).

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The PEP deal acts as a bridge.

"Given the visibility we have on revenues from the British and Irish Lions and World Cups, it became clear that debt capital was going to be the best solution for rugby," Waugh said.

"This does not compromise RA's options down the road, which could include private equity investment. This approach ensures that we retain 100 per cent of the commercial revenues from the game, that all capital raised will go into the game, and that RA controls its own direction during this next period of growth and development."

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Waugh said high performance integration, women's rugby and community and pathways were the critical areas to focus on.

"And I believe investment in these areas will give us the opportunity to capitalise on the exciting major events on the horizon," he said.

"I believe together we have achieved a very positive result for the game."