Springbok players line up for the anthem. Image via Instagram @v
Local franchises voice concerns over SA Rugby’s multi-million dollar equity deal
The Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Sharks have written a letter to SA Rugby expressing concern over the proposed deal with an American sports investment company.
Springbok players line up for the anthem. Image via Instagram @v
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 expressed concern over the deal
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. 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 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: All the SA Rugby award nominees
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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