Rugby: New Zealand Rugby confirms ongoing negotiations with Silver Lake (investment firm)

Mark Robinson, CEO of New Zealand Rugby (NZR), has confirmed that New Zealand Rugby is in discussions with US investment firm Silver Lake to acquire a stake in NZR on 30/03/2021. Silver Lake's investment in New Zealand Rugby will be voted on at the body's annual general assembly in mid-April 2021.

In order for the American firm's offer to be accepted, New Zeland Rugby must obtain the approval of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA), which served notice of its opposition in January 2021 by means of a letter (see below). Mediation between the New Zealand Rugby and the NZRPA will begin on Wednesday 01/04/2021.

According to the newspaper the New Zealand Herald, the NZRPA received an offer from the US fund to acquire 15% of its commercial rights for an estimated NZ$465m (€279m) on 03/02/2021.

• As part of its deal with Silver Lake, New Zealand Rugby is reportedly planning to set up a new subsidiary, named CommercialCo, which will be responsible for maximising revenues from broadcasting rights, sponsorship, merchandising and managing the commercial assets of the national team…