A recent report indicates that Ackerley Partners, a U.S.-based sports investment firm, is showing interest in investing in the commercial ventures of SA Rugby.
The Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team, may receive a financial boost, as Ackerley Partners is reported to be considering an investment in SA Rugby. This news, detailed in a Netwerk24 report, emerges amid significant shifts within South African rugby. These changes include SA Rugby’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, focusing solely on coaching the Springboks under the organization’s new structure.
This potential investment by Ackerley Partners comes on the heels of discussions between SA Rugby and CVC Capital Partners, which are now being redirected to enhance the global presence of the Springbok brand.
Should this investment come to fruition, it would represent the second instance of American investment in South African rugby. The first was MVM Holdings acquiring a stake in the Sharks in 2021.
