Advertisement

Private-equity giant CVC Capital closes in on stake in rugby’s Six Nations Championship

Luke Cowan-Dickie rumbles over for England's third try of an impressive afternoon: Getty Images
Luke Cowan-Dickie rumbles over for England's third try of an impressive afternoon: Getty Images

Private-equity giant CVC Capital is close to securing a stake in rugby’s Six Nations as the firm looks to ramp up its presence in the sport.

CVC is nearing a £300 million deal with Six Nations Rugby Limited for a 14% stake in the tournament, a source close to the company told the FT.

The deal would be CVC’s second major investment in rugby. Two years ago it bought a 27% holding in Premiership Rugby, which runs England’s top league.

CVC wants to commercialise the game further by streaming coverage through internet subscriptions for fans. There is also talk of a Club World Cup, to bring together all the best club sides on the planet.