Canterbury Rugby Union, Crusaders Invest In Seattle Seawolves

The Canterbury Rugby Union and Super Rugby side Crusaders extended their reach and have "taken minority ownership stakes" in American professional rugby side Seattle Seawolves, according to STUFF. The Canterbury union is a major stakeholder of the Crusaders and both said that they will "do what they can to help develop players for the Seawolves." The Seattle-based team was formed last year and will kick off its inaugural season in the new North American professional competition, Major Rugby League, in April. Canterbury Rugby CEO Nathan Godfrey said, "As the oldest rugby organization in New Zealand, we are excited to have secured a small stake in the future of professional rugby in the U.S." Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said that his franchise would be "looking to help" the Seawolves. New Zealand sporting rights company FHG Ltd. brokered the deal (STUFF, 2/14).