"We need to change the international funding arrangements of rugby because other nations are profiting at our expense," said NZRFU chief executive David Rutherford.
"It's clear that New Zealand rugby is not getting its fair share of revenues given the popularity of the All Blacks offshore."
Australia may be the sport's world champions but the All Blacks still attract the largest crowds when they go on international tours, the NZRFU argued.
A full stadium in New Zealand might generate NZ$1 million (US$436,000) in takings but this was dwarfed by earnings from games in overseas stadiums such as Twickenham in England, added NZRFU spokesman Peter Parussini. He went on to say that gate takings for the Australia/New Zealand Bledisloe Cup in Sydney last year were about A$2.9 million (US$1.6 million).
The NZRFU pays the international travel costs when the All Blacks go on tour but gets none of the revenue generated.
Hosting countries pay local expenses for touring teams and keep all of the revenue.
The NZRFU said it would pursue its claim through the International Rugby Board.
"We're signalling this as our intention in future to go out and get some of this money," Parussini said.
The NZRFU claim is part of a plan to boost New Zealand rugby's revenue stream to help it continue to compete with larger countries in the game's professional era.
Reuters
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRFU) is out to win a share of the money generated when its national team, the All Blacks, play overseas.
