By Georgina Robinson:
Waratahs search for major sponsor
The Waratahs may have secured a bottom line-saving home semi-final next week but they face a fight to lock in a major sponsor with front-of-jersey partner Volvo unlikely to renew their commitment beyond the end of this month.
There were a few relieved souls at Waratahs headquarters after the team's win over the Reds last week - the game at Allianz Stadium next weekend alone will be enough to keep the wolves from the door for the club, which posted a $721,990 net profit for the 2014 financial year.
But there are big challenges ahead, including replacing Volvo, who are understood to be likely to downgrade their deal with the defending champions. Going on local benchmarks - the Brumbies will pocket $1.4 million after signing casino operators Aquis on a historic six-year front-of-jersey deal - the change could leave a $1 million-plus hole in the Waratahs' operating budget over the next 12 months.
Unsurprisingly, the suits at Moore Park have been out courting prospective new partners. A rival automotive brand was an early contender but the parties could not find common ground on the final number. The Breakdown understands there is also interest from the financial sector.
The profit was good news for the titleholders, who also returned $1.5 million to the community game via their licensing fee to the NSW Rugby Union, almost $500,000 more than the fee paid last year.
