SA Rugby are expected to confirm that a new offer has been received to become their new equity partner.

Johann Rupert, Marco Massotti and Johan le Roux, who are shareholders of the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers respectively, have joined forces and began negotiations with the governing body.

SA Rugby have been searching for an equity partner and previously held talks with CVC, who own a stake in the Six Nations, United Rugby Championship and Premiership, and American company Ackerley Sports Group (ASG).

ASG voted down

They chose the latter as the preferred option but that $75 million deal was shot down in December after a vote involving the provincial unions.

According to reports, ASG have retained an interest in acquiring a stake in the governing body’s commercial rights, but Rapport states that SA Rugby will confirm to its executive board on February 6 that a new deal has been received by Rupert, Masotti and Le Roux.

Next month’s meeting could well be tense with the outlet expecting that ‘shots will be fired’ after outrage over the ASG deal.

It was claimed that ex-Formula 1 boss Eddie Jordan had asked for a 15 per cent commission with the ASG deal, something that he denied last week.

Netwerk24 were told by a spokesperson for Jordan Associates that a fee of that size was not mentioned and that it was between 2.5 and 3 percent.

Unexpected development from US-based company in SA Rugby’s private equity deal saga – report

Apparently, the confusion came about after SA Rugby had made a provision for a “maximum of 15 per cent” for all expenses related to the transaction.

Rapport revealed that one of the union bosses told them that it was a “messy story”.

They also added: “But it’s also strange that Eddie is only now saying anything, and it feels a bit like he’s trying to protect himself now that the deal is done.

“Let’s just hope we can clear the air and start the new year on a fresh page, with good cooperation.”


 

‘Someone is lying’

Meanwhile, another rugby administrator was angry over the 15 per cent commission, claiming that “heads are going to roll.”

Another rugby administrator said: “If Eddie says 3.5 per cent and SARU says 15 per cent, then someone is lying.

“Who negotiated on behalf of SARU, and with whom did he negotiate? If Mark [Alexander, president of SARU] does not take this seriously, there will have to be a motion of no confidence in the entire executive council. We cannot sweep this under the carpet.”

READ MORE: Gayton McKenzie’s blunt verdict on SA Rugby’s private equity deal with US investors

Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/heads-are-going-to-roll-sa-rugby-to-confirm-new-springboks-equity-offer-after-messy-story-over-ex-formula-1-boss-involvement