Pro14 rugby execs confirmed an “expected money-spinning partnership with CVC Capital Partners” that is believed to be worth over €120M ($146M). CVC will acquire a 28% share of Pro14 rugby from Celtic Rugby DAC, with the unions retaining the 72% majority share. The Italian Rugby Federation will "also become a member of Celtic Rugby DAC, and receive a share of the investment," while Martin Anayi will remain Pro14's CEO. Anayi commented: "CVC’s show of faith has been impressive and is in keeping with their proven track record of success when it comes to sports investment, including Formula 1, Moto GP and Premiership Rugby" (Irish DAILY MIRROR, 5/22).
The deal will "likely increase" CVC's "influence in ongoing discussions to remodel the global rugby calendar." The company already has a minority stake in England’s Premiership Rugby, reported to be worth more than $243.46M. Financial details were "not disclosed," but the BBC reported last year that CVC’s stake was valued at about $146M and the unions would each get a £35M ($43M) cash injection (REUTERS, 5/22).
Meanwhile, plans to shift the Six Nations’s traditional slot by a month to March and April and play the Rugby Championship in the same window as part of a synchronized global calendar "have moved a step closer following an unprecedented joint announcement" by the respective tournament organizers. Both the Six Nations and SANZAAR, who run the Rugby Championship, "have committed to further discussions in the coming week" (London GUARDIAN, 5/22).
