Test rugby may be on the brink of a Middle Eastern takeover

10/07/2023 Rugby Union

EXCLUSIVE: Is Test rugby on the brink of a Middle Eastern takeover? Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund express an interest in Australia and Saudi Arabian investors approach South Africa over a huge investment deal

  • The Wallabies and the Springboks have both seen investment offers tabled 
  • Qatar have approached Australia while Saudi Arabia are keen on South Africa 
  • Both unions have held talks with CVC, who already own stakes in the Six Nations 

Rugby could be on the brink of a Middle Eastern takeover after the Wallabies and the Springboks were approached about huge investment deals.

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund are understood to have expressed an interest in Australian rugby, while Saudi Arabian investors have approached world champions South Africa.

Both unions have held talks with CVC, who already own stakes in the Six Nations, the Premiership and the United Rugby Championship. 

The private equity firm have been keen to grow their multi-million-pound portfolio overseas but no deal has been reached after long-running negotiations.

Cash from the oil-rich Middle East has been flooding into football, heavyweight boxers Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk signed a contract to fight in Riyadh and Saudi money has divided golf with the establishment of LIV. 

Rugby may be on the cusp of a takeover after Australia were approached by a Qatari party

South Africa have also fielded interest from Saudi Arabian investors over a huge potential deal

Middle Eastern investors considered buying Formula One in a multi-billion pound deal earlier this year.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan told Mail Sport: ‘I won’t confirm any specific counterparty discussions but we have had interest from the Middle East.’

South Africa Rugby president Mark Alexander declined to comment.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has confirmed the interest from the Middle East

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