Ground-breaking equity deal for Boland

NEWS: Boland Rugby Union (BRU) has taken a massive step in the right direction, proudly unveiling an equity partnership with Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) and a consortium led by the Motsepe family.

On Thursday, the Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd announced a transformative equity partnership with Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS), a subsidiary of Remgro Limited, and a consortium comprising companies controlled by the Motsepe family (Motsepe Consortium).

The new partnership will have the Motsepe Consortium and SAS own 74 percent of the Boland Rugby professional arm with the Boland Rugby Union retaining 26 percent.

The new partners will have a collaborative arrangement to cultivate a shared commitment to providing substantial resources and expertise to support the Boland Rugby Union's growth and development initiatives.

Commenting on the new transformative deal, Bennie van Rooi, President of the Boland Rugby Union, praised the partnership’s commitment to grassroots rugby development and the advancement of the sport in the region.

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"The announcement symbolises a powerful commitment to grassroots rugby development and the advancement of rugby in our region," said Van Rooi.

"Our partnership with the SAS and Motsepe Consortium aligns perfectly with our mission to empower local communities through sports and unearth the vast potential of our young athletes. This partnership will empower and enable us to provide world-class resources to our players, coaches, and management teams."

The announcement also saw the appointment of Quintin van Rooyen as the new CEO of Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd, following his two-year tenure as the CEO of Boland Rugby Union.

Johan van Zyl, a representative of the Motsepe consortium, said their aim is to retain talent for the Boland region.

"This partnership is about more than just rugby; it's about investing in the future of this region and nurturing the incredible talent at the grassroots level," said Van Zyl.

"We believe in the power of partnership and are proud to join hands with the Boland Rugby Union on this journey. Our ambition is to create a professional environment and team that retains the talent within the Boland regions."

The Boland Rugby Union will be out to build on the success of their 2023 season, where the Boland Kavaliere secured the Currie Cup First Division title for the sixth time.

"We are excited to be part of this incredible journey with the Boland Rugby Union," said Neil de Kock, CEO of SAS.

"This partnership emphasises the importance of nurturing talent at the grassroots level and providing the necessary resources for these young athletes to reach their full potential, and this was proven earlier this year when the Boland Cavaliers won the Currie Cup First Division.

"SAS is a proudly Boland business and we are proud to be part of this great union.

"We have seen the power of investment and partnership in the Boland region with the top Premier League Soccer (PSL) club, Stellenbosch Football Club (FC)."