World Cup-winning former Wallabies captain John Eales has been appointed to the board of the Australian Rugby Union.

The retired rugby legend, who led Australia to victory at the 1999 World Cup in Wales, was elected unopposed at the ARU's Annual General Meeting in Sydney on Thursday following the retirement from the board of former defence chief Peter Cosgrove.

Eales, 39, played 86 Tests for Australia, making his debut in 1991 and retiring after the retention of the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations titles 10 years later.

Following an illustrious rugby career, Eales has managed to carry his on-field success to varied business ventures.

He has also remained active in sport since, serving as a director of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and as a board member for five years with the Australian Sports Commission.

"I'm excited by the opportunity," Eales said.

"Rugby has always been a passion and I look forward to being able to contribute."

ARU director John Mumm was also re-elected unopposed for a further three-year term on Thursday.

The ARU also announced an operating surplus of $6.13 million and a net deficit of $279,000 after allocations to member unions for coaching and development.

Expenditure was reduced by $5.3 million from $71.2 million to $65.9 million in 2009 but the ARU said player payments and Super 14 grants remained steady.

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