Rugby: "We've had good talks with potential investors" (Alan Gilpin, World Rugby)

"In the sport of rugby, the World Cup, for both men and women, is the premium property, so would demand the highest possible valuation. We've had good talks with potential investors in that regard," said Alan Gilpin, CEO of World Rugby, to UK newspaper The Financial Times, 30/07/2021.

The investments could include a stake in the commercial rights to the Rugby World Cup and the money would be used to fund new women's tournaments and TV formats for Rugby Sevens events outside the Olympics, according to the British newspaper, which cited discussions with Luxembourg firm CVC Capital Partners and US firm KKR.

Alain Gilpin believes that the commercial rights offered by World Rugby are worth "significantly more" than what other rugby competitions have secured from outside investors in recent months (see below).

• Talks are still in their early stages, according to the Financial Times, which added that World Rugby has hired bankers at Jefferies and Rothschild, as well as consultants at Oakwell Sports Advisory, to advise on the process.

Six Nations Rugby: CVC to invest up to £365m (€426m…