SYDNEY - The Wallabies may have lost the World Cup, but the Australian Rugby Union was a winner off the field.
As sole host, the union made a A$45 million ($50.8 million) surplus, of which two-thirds will be banked in its reserves.
Details of how A$15 million will be spent on the
development of the game, particularly in rugby league and Australian Rules strongholds, will be announced in the New Year.
An estimate of the full economic benefit to Australia has yet to be calculated, but one estimate says New South Wales gained A$350 million.
New Zealand could have had a slice of the action, but by losing sub-hosting rights last year it gave up 23 games, and a tourism-related bonanza.
O'Neill proudly proclaimed Australia had put on the best rugby World Cup.
"My biggest thank you goes to the people of Australia," he said.
"You are the world champions at putting on great events and at having a party.
"It has been amazing - in the stands, on the streets and in the pubs and clubs."
About 1.8 million people attended the matches. Ninety-one per cent of all available seats were occupied, giving the ARU and the International Rugby Board A$200 million.
More than A$100m was spent on official merchandise, including at least 100,000 Wallabies jerseys.
About 40,000 overseas visitors were expected, but that appeared to be less than the England contingent alone. The figure will not be known until next month.
O'Neill said hosting the tournament solo had guaranteed rugby a strong future in Australia.
"Seven years ago, we struggled to pay the electricity bill," he said.
And he pledged that the ARU would "do what is required to reclaim our position as the No 1 rugby nation".
- NZPA
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