SA Rugby Becomes Shareholder in URC

The United Rugby Championship (URC) has confirmed that the South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) is now the league’s sixth shareholder.

SA Rugby joins the Irish, Italian, Scottish and Welsh rugby unions, along with CVC Capital Partners, as shareholders in Pro Rugby Championship DAC, the company that operates the competition.

The partnership between SA Rugby and the URC began in 2018 when the Toyota Cheetahs and Southern Kings were added to the PRO14. In 2021, the Vodacom URC was launched, introducing the Lions, DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks and Vodacom Bulls.

Since then, the URC has seen substantial growth in broadcast audiences, digital engagement and match attendances, with South African teams playing a key role.

URC Chief Executive Martin Anayi told Jacaranda News that the inclusion of SA Rugby as a shareholder had always been part of the plan. He said South African rugby had shown vision and courage in 2018 and again in 2021, reshaping where its teams competed. He added that while fans would not see major changes, the alignment would strengthen business operations and encourage new ideas.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, described the development as the conclusion of an eight-year journey. He told Jacaranda News that the competition had gone from strength to strength, highlighting that four different teams had lifted the trophy in the first four seasons of South African participation. He said the partnership was good for South African rugby and promised many more years of success.