The ownership landscape of South African rugby has undergone dramatic transformation in recent years, and nowhere is this more evident than with the Cape Town Stormers. After years of financial turmoil and boardroom battles, the iconic Western Cape franchise has found new stability under the Red Disa consortium, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s storied history.
The Red Disa Takeover
In December 2023, 74% of the shares in WP Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd were acquired by the Red Disa consortium, consisting of the Cape Town-based investment holding company Fynbos Ekwiteit, Ardagh Glass Packaging and the investment company Marble Head Investments. The Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) retains the remaining 26 percent.
This landmark deal, valued at R148 million, ended years of uncertainty that had left one of South Africa’s most prestigious rugby franchises teetering on the brink of financial collapse. The acquisition represents more than just a business transaction—it’s a homecoming of sorts, with passionate local stakeholders taking control of their beloved team.
Meet the New Owners
The Red Disa consortium brings together three distinct yet complementary partners, each with strong Western Cape connections:
Fynbos Ekwiteit leads the consortium as a Cape Town-based investment holding company. The economic rights of Fynbos Ekwiteit vest in Fynbos Trust, which was settled by Capitec founder Michiel le Roux. This connection to one of South Africa’s most successful banking entrepreneurs provides significant financial backing and business expertise.
Ardagh Glass Packaging represents the industrial might of the consortium. Ardagh is the leading glass packaging company in South Africa, employing almost 2,000 people, and with production facilities in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Their involvement demonstrates how established South African businesses are investing in the country’s sporting heritage.
Marble Head Investments completes the trio as the personal investment vehicle of André van der Veen, based in Stellenbosch. Van der Veen brings intimate knowledge of the franchise, having previously served on the board of WPPR where he worked closely with John Dobson on the board’s rugby subcommittee and had oversight of the company’s finances.
From Financial Crisis to Stability
The Red Disa acquisition came after a tumultuous period that saw the South African Rugby Union (SARU) place the WPRFU under administration in October 2021. Years of mismanagement and questionable financial decisions had pushed the union to the brink of bankruptcy, threatening the very existence of professional rugby in the Western Cape.
14 ‘expressions of interest’ were received by SARU to invest as equity partners in WPPR. However, almost all the interested parties withdrew from the process at various stages, leaving Red Disa as the sole remaining bidder by December 2022.
The deal structure provides immediate relief to the struggling organization. R40-million will be paid to WPRFU to settle the WPRFU loan and R108-million will be used to recapitalise WPPR’s balance sheet for the working capital and operating expense requirements.
A Vision for the Future
The new ownership brings more than just financial resources—they bring passion and vision. Johan le Roux of Fynbos Ekwiteit emphasized that “As Capetonians and lifelong fans of Western Province Rugby and the DHL Stormers, we are very excited by the opportunity to invest in this wonderful franchise”.
The consortium’s ambitions extend beyond mere survival. Their stated goal is for the Stormers to “be a consistently successful team that is regularly competing for and winning major trophies”, with aspirations to develop the franchise into “one of the world’s leading club rugby franchises”.
Leadership Structure
The ownership change has brought clarity to the management structure. In March 2024, Johan le Roux was announced as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while John Dobson has taken on the role of Director of Rugby in addition to his duties as Head Coach of the Stormers.
This streamlined approach separates commercial operations from rugby performance, allowing each area to focus on what they do best while maintaining clear lines of accountability and communication.
Looking Ahead
The Red Disa consortium’s acquisition of the Cape Town Stormers represents more than a change in ownership—it symbolizes the professionalization of South African rugby and the importance of local investment in sporting excellence. With financial stability restored and passionate, knowledgeable owners at the helm, the Stormers are positioned to reclaim their place among rugby’s elite.
For supporters who endured years of uncertainty, the Red Disa era offers renewed hope. The combination of local passion, business acumen, and long-term vision suggests that the best days of Stormers rugby may well lie ahead. In a sport where tradition meets modern business realities, the Cape Town Stormers have found owners who understand both the heritage they’re inheriting and the future they’re building.
The answer to who owns the Cape Town Stormers is clear: a consortium of committed South Africans who see the team not just as a business investment, but as guardians of a rugby legacy that belongs to the Western Cape and its people.
