Springboks - Rugby Championship - SA Rugby
General views during the Rugby World Cup semi final match between South Africa Springboks and Wales Rugby World Cup semi final at the International Stadium Yokohama Sunday, 27 October 2019. (Mandatory Byline -Steve Haag Sports Hollywoodbets)

Home » SA Rugby foreign investment sparks local concerns

SA Rugby foreign investment sparks local concerns

Local rugby franchises have written to SA Rugby, voicing their concerns about the proposed R1.42 billion foreign investment.

By Mariette Adams
14-02-24 10:45
in Business and Finance
Springboks - Rugby Championship - SA Rugby
General views during the Rugby World Cup semi final match between South Africa Springboks and Wales Rugby World Cup semi final at the International Stadium Yokohama Sunday, 27 October 2019. (Mandatory Byline -Steve Haag Sports Hollywoodbets)

SA Rugby’s potential private equity deal, believed to be worth billions of rands, could be dead in the water before it even took flight, according to a report.

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The governing body is said to be nearing a game-changing £60 million (R1.4 billion) investment deal with Ackerley Sports Group (ASG), but according to a report by News24, the Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Sharks have valid concerns over this commercial venture.

In a joint letter addressed to SA Rugby, the four franchises expressing concern over the deal

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SA Rugby president Mark Alexander told News24 that the governing body will be organising several workshops with the member unions with the goal of reaching approval by May 2024.

Ackerley Partners’ potential investment follows after negotiations between SA Rugby and CVC Capital Partners (which holds a stake in the Six Nations) broke down. And if realised, this marks the second instance of US investment in South African rugby, following MVM Holdings’ stake in the Sharks since 2021.

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SA Rugby Mark Alexander
The President of the South African Rugby Union Mark Alexander. Image: Twitter (X).

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SA RUGBY UNVEILED SPRINGBOKS TEST FIXTURES (UPDATED):

Incoming Series:
Saturday, 6 July: Springboks vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)

Reminder: Duane Vermeulen’s new coaching role EXPLAINED

Rugby Championship:
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs Springboks (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: Springboks v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v SA (venue TBC)
Saturday, 28 September: Springboks v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)

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