In a new twist to the ongoing saga of SA Rugby’s equity discussions, several influential business figures have expressed interest in partnering with the governing body to secure a stake in Springbok rugby’s commercial rights.
Late last year, SA Rugby (SARU) turned down a proposal for private equity investment in its commercial rights, with an offer from the overseas-based Ackerley Sports Group failing to gain the 75 percent majority vote needed for approval. This collapse led to a messy fallout, with many local rugby unions and franchises accusing SA Rugby of acting in bad faith and failing to negotiate a fair deal to appease the Ackerley Sports Group.
INFLUENTIAL FIGURES MAKE MOVE TO INVEST IN SPRINGBOK AND SA RUGBY
Patrice Motsepe, Johann Rupert, Marco Massotti, and Johan le Roux—shareholders in the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers, respectively—have now joined forces in an attempt to acquire a 20% stake in SA Rugby’s commercial rights.
As reported by News24, the three local unions submitted a formal letter to SA Rugby President Mark Alexander, CEO Rian Oberholzer, and the executive committee on February 4. The letter was also shared with the presidents of all 14 of South Africa’s professional rugby unions, as part of an effort to maintain transparency and seek their input.
The signatories of the letter, including Stephen Saad and Marco Masotti (on behalf of the Sharks), Jannie Durand and Johan van Zyl (on behalf of the Blue Bulls), and Johan le Roux and Bruce MacRobert (on behalf of the Stormers), have been tasked with leading negotiations with SA Rugby, should this potential deal move forward.
