The ACT government says investment in the ACT Brumbies is the "most significant" rugby funding priority in the capital, revealing details of a $3.5 million deal to ensure the club is financially viable.
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The Brumbies and the government have finalised a performance agreement, which will include a specific allocation to Super W for the first time.
It's a boost for the cash-strapped franchise, and an increase on the temporary COVID-19 deal done for the 2021 season.
The $1.78 million per season equates to about $250,000 per men's match in Canberra, but a portion will go directly to the Brumbies' women's team.
The government has previously done separate deals for the men's and women's teams in Canberra, but has now wrapped all into one for the Brumbies and the Canberra Raiders.
The Brumbies' $250,000 per home game is more than the Raiders' $210,000 per match in the capital, but the Raiders get a bigger overall package ($2.6 million per season) because of the length of their season.
Barr hopes the funding helps the Brumbies' stay afloat, saying the government prioritised the package ahead of other marquee sports event funding.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
The rugby World Cup will likely bypass Canberra in 2027 after the government baulked at the asking price to be a host city.
Barr has said he would rather invest in Canberra's premier teams than pay high fees for one-off matches.
"This investment has enabled the Brumbies to survive the tough times and prosper in the good times," Barr said.
"The government places the long term viability of the club and Super Rugby in Canberra as our most significant professional rugby priority."
The government has been willing to withdraw from men's and women's major events if the price has been too high, despite criticism about Canberra being absent from international tournaments.
Part of the government's investment has been in women's sport, with the Raiders getting funding for an NRLW team should they be granted a licence from next year.
The Brumbies' Super W side has been playing in the competition since it began and the funding is now a part of the total ACT rugby package.
It's unclear what portion will go to the women, with the government reluctant to say how much has been allocated.
"Women's sport continues to grow in Canberra and it's thanks to teams like the Brumbies Super W team that we can inspire younger women and girls to continue to play rugby - or any sport - throughout their life," said ACT Sport Minister Yvette Berry.
The deal also locks the Brumbies into playing at Canberra Stadium for at least the next two years despite Senator Zed Seselja pushing for the Federal government to invest in a Viking Park upgrade.
The Brumbies have previously tried to shift games to Manuka Oval, but their deal locks them into playing all games at Canberra Stadium.
Seselja is hoping to turn Viking Park into a 10,000-seat venue with federal funding. If successful, it could be an alternate venue in Canberra for Super Rugby, Super W, NRLW, A-League men's and A-League women's fixtures.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND SIX
Friday: Western Force v ACT Brumbies at Perth, 10pm.
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