Australian union rejects call for Lion's share of revenue

SYDNEY - The head of the Australian Rugby Union has rejected claims by his English counterpart that the British Lions were not getting a big enough slice of revenue from their upcoming tour of Australia.

British newspapers quoted Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron as saying it was unfair that the Lions would not get a share of broadcast rights, gate receipts and sponsorship on the three-test tour.

"We should at least divide the money between the host and participating unions," Baron was quoted as saying.

"Lions matches are controlled by host unions and that is a bone of contention for us. We believe that the Lions is such a strong brand that it should control its own rights," he said.

Australian Rugby Union managing director John O'Neill said on Thursday that the Lions were being paid £one million ($NZ3.3 million) for the tour and no more money would be forthcoming.

"That was an extraordinary statement by Francis Baron," O'Neill told reporters.

"Does that mean that when we go to the UK the Wallabies are going to ask for a share of the broadcasting money and a share of the gate at Twickenham?" he said.

O'Neill said Lions players were contracted individually to the British Lions committee and not the RFU.

"It's a pretty spurious debate ... It is not a financial bonanza for the ARU at all," O'Neill said.

Baron said that the last Lions tour to South Africa in 1997 lost £400,000 ($NZ1.3 million) - which was met by the four Home Unions.

He said that the Home Unions needed to negotiate with southern hemisphere officials for a better split of revenue from future tours, saying the Lions needed a cut of television income.

"To say there should be a share of broadcasting rights and a share of gates really is very dangerous territory," O'Neill said.

"The whole reciprocity which supports world rugby will be brought under threat," he said.

The Lions leave Britain on June 1 for their 10-match tour, their first to Australia in 12 years.

The first test is in Brisbane on June 30, followed by the second in Melbourne on July 7 and the third in Sydney a week later.

- REUTERS