SA Rugby secures shareholding in United Rugby Championship

The United Rugby Championship (URC) confirmed on Wednesday that the South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) has officially become the league’s sixth shareholder.

The move sees SA Rugby join the Irish, Italian, Scottish, and Welsh rugby unions, along with CVC Capital Partners, as stakeholders in Pro Rugby Championship DAC, the company operating the competition.

SA Rugby’s ties with the northern hemisphere tournament began in 2018 when the Toyota Cheetahs and Southern Kings joined the then-PRO14. A significant shift followed in 2021 with the introduction of the Vodacom URC, bringing in the Lions, DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Vodacom Bulls. Since then, South African participation has helped fuel the URC’s growth in broadcast audiences, digital engagement, and stadium attendance.

United Rugby Championship CEO Martin Anayi praised South Africa’s impact on the league. “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,” he said. “From a fan’s perspective, nothing changes, but from a business standpoint this alignment will allow us to work even more closely with South African teams, partners, broadcasters, and stakeholders.”

Courage and vision

Anayi added that SA Rugby had shown courage and vision by moving their teams into northern hemisphere competitions. “This milestone is a testament to that foresight,” he said.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer described the moment as historic. “This is a 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,” Oberholzer said.

He highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament, noting that four different champions had emerged in the four seasons since South African teams joined. “The competition has gone from strength to strength and 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," Oberholzer added.

The URC and SA Rugby also extended their gratitude to key commercial partners in South Africa, including title sponsors Vodacom and broadcast partners SuperSport, as well as Qatar Airways, SA Breweries, and OUTsurance, for their vital role in shaping the success of the competition.

With SA Rugby now at the decision-making table, the partnership promises to strengthen ties between hemispheres, paving the way for continued growth and innovation in one of rugby’s most competitive tournaments.