Six Nations secure long-term partnership with CVC
Rugby Football Union will receive £95m from the deal
©Steve Haag
CVC Capital Partners have strengthened their hold in the Six Nations Rugby after finalising a long-term strategic partnership securing 14% share worth up to £365m.
The investment amount will be split over a period of five years with the Rugby Football Union set to receive £95m while the Welsh Rugby Union and the Irish Rugby Football Union will be receiving £51m and £48m respectively. Scottish Rugby will also receive £44.5m with the unions retaining the responsibility for all sporting matters and majority control of commercial decisions.
CVC, which already holds minority stakes in PRO14 rugby league and England's Premiership Rugby will be working alongside the unions and the Six Nations Rugby management team, to deliver on ambitious growth plans for the Six Nations Championships and Autumn International series.
Six Nations Rugby CEO Ben Morel is delighted with the announcement and is confident that the partnership will elevate the sport to the next level.
“This is a hugely positive development and I want to express my thanks to all parties involved. In particular, our six unions and federations, for the strong sense of unity and collaboration they have shown throughout this process to create a unified Six Nations Rugby and agree the partnership with CVC.
“The Six Nations Championship is steeped in rugby tradition, stretching back to 1883, and together with the women’s, Under-20s and Autumn International series, is synonymous with all the excitement, colour, and passion that rugby has to offer. This external investment is an important validation of what Six Nations Rugby has achieved to date and is a key next step as we invest to grow the game on the world stage.
“When we started this journey, our aim was to ensure we found the right strategic partner, who can add real value and is committed to a long-term relationship. CVC recognises the exciting potential in the Six Nations Championships and Autumn International series, and they are aligned with our vision for the future.
“CVC has a proven track record of partnering to support growth strategies in sport and is uniquely positioned to help promote collaboration across the sport of rugby for the benefit of fans, players, clubs and unions and all other rugby stakeholders.”
