SA Rugby Acquires Stake in United Rugby Championship

On Wednesday, the United Rugby Championship announced the South African Rugby Union has joined as the league’s sixth shareholder. This addition brings them alongside the rugby unions from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales, as well as CVC Capital Partners, in Pro Rugby Championship DAC, the organization that manages the league.

SA Rugby’s involvement with the league traces back to 2018, when the Toyota Cheetahs and Southern Kings entered the PRO14. The launch of the Vodacom URC in 2021 welcomed teams such as the Lions, DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Vodacom Bulls.

Since then, the Vodacom URC has seen significant growth in viewership, digital interaction, and match attendance, with SA Rugby and its teams being integral to this progress.

Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, remarked: “The impact of South African rugby on our league has been overwhelmingly positive, and recognizing them as shareholders has been part of our strategic vision. In both 2018 and 2021, South African rugby demonstrated remarkable vision and bravery in reimagining their teams’ competitive landscape, and this milestone reflects that insight.

“For fans, it’s business as usual. However, from a business perspective, our URC team will collaborate more closely with South African teams, partners, broadcasters, and stakeholders, aimed at advancing the league further. This cooperation across both hemispheres will facilitate day-to-day efficiencies and pave the way for swift exploration of new initiatives.

“We extend our gratitude, on behalf of our chairman David Lynn and the entire board, to Rian Oberholzer, Mark Alexander, and the SA Rugby team for reaching this milestone. Our five territories remain dedicated to the URC’s vision, and we anticipate building upon the successes of the past four years.”

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, stated: “Today signifies a pivotal moment for South African rugby, completing a journey begun eight years ago with our vision for a northern hemisphere future. Despite doubts over the years, the shared vision with Martin Anayi and the URC team has been realized, and we are eager to grow the competition as full partners with our northern colleagues.

“The competition has thrived, with four different champions in the first four seasons of our participation, establishing itself as one of the most competitive leagues in rugby. It has greatly benefited our rugby, and we look forward to many more successful years ahead.”

The URC and SA Rugby additionally want to extend their heartfelt thanks to the league’s key commercial partners in South Africa – title sponsors Vodacom, broadcast partners SuperSport, and sponsors like Qatar Airways, SA Breweries, and OUTsurance – whose support has been instrumental in transforming the game.