South Africa Rugby becomes shareholder in the URC

 

South African Rugby Union has become a shareholder of the URC, joining the Irish, Italian, Scottish, and Welsh rugby unions, along with CVC Capital Partners.

South African teams first played in the competition in 2018 when Toyota Cheetahs and Southern Kings joined the PRO14. 

In 2021, the launch of the Vodacom URC introduced the Lions, DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Vodacom Bulls.

Martin Anayi, United Rugby Championship CEO, said: “There is no doubt about the hugely positive impact South African rugby has had on our league, and confirmation of their addition as a shareholder was always part of the roadmap. In 2018 and again in 2021, South African rugby showed vision and courage in reshaping where their teams competed, and this milestone is a testament to that foresight.

“From a fan’s perspective, nothing changes. But from a business standpoint, our URC team will now work even more closely with South African teams, partners, broadcasters, and stakeholders to continue elevating the league. This alignment across both hemispheres will create day-to-day efficiencies and open the door to exploring new ideas at a faster pace."

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “This is red letter day for South African rugby and marks the completion of a journey that began eight years ago when we first contemplated a northern hemisphere future. There have been doubters over the years but the vision we shared with Martin Anayi and the URC team has now come to pass and we look forward to growing the competition as full partners with our colleagues in the north.

“The competition has gone from strength-to-strength and with four different winners in the first four seasons of our participation it has proved itself as arguably the most competitive league in rugby. It has been good for our rugby and we look forward to many more years of success.”