Saudi Arabia in talks to buy stake in Tigers

[LE18]

Im not funding 4 clubs will benefit the game - clearly it will for the 4 involved.

Whilst highly unlikely, it would be better if the funding could be shared across the top two divisions, perhaps in exchange for naming rights to the leagues and a shared academy structure in Saudi - including women's rugby. Then the English game benefits, not just four 'super' clubs.

Are we reading this right, is it not that they have approached 4 clubs hoping to secure just 1?

[Scuttle]

Im not funding 4 clubs will benefit the game - clearly it will for the 4 involved.

Whilst highly unlikely, it would be better if the funding could be shared across the top two divisions, perhaps in exchange for naming rights to the leagues and a shared academy structure in Saudi - including women's rugby. Then the English game benefits, not just four 'super' clubs.

Are we reading this right, is it not that they have approached 4 clubs hoping to secure just 1?

What I have read is that there were earlier conversations with the 4, then things went quiet for a while, and there has now been a further conversation with 1 of the 4.

[fentiger]

This link should take you to the article in yesterdays Telegraph:
https://archive.ph/magt9

[Old Hob]

I've been censored for pointing out the obvious and making jokes about it (which some, well 1, posters didn't get). There are moral issues discussed on here all the time. The Josh Caufield stamping, the e-tokens for player access malarkey, breaches of the salary cap, the finances of Wasps and Worcester have all been discussed at length and are all, fundamentally, moral questions. I do believe that the majority of posters here are not going to be offended by such discussions, neither are they going to post anything that will bring disrepute to the club.

A lighter touch from mods would be welcomed.

[Tiglon]

Im not funding 4 clubs will benefit the game - clearly it will for the 4 involved.

Whilst highly unlikely, it would be better if the funding could be shared across the top two divisions, perhaps in exchange for naming rights to the leagues and a shared academy structure in Saudi - including women's rugby. Then the English game benefits, not just four 'super' clubs.

Are we reading this right, is it not that they have approached 4 clubs hoping to secure just 1?

What I have read is that there were earlier conversations with the 4, then things went quiet for a while, and there has now been a further conversation with 1 of the 4.

Other way around according to the telegraph. Originally just Gloucester, but PIF didn't see that as attractive enough so the other 3 became involved.

[Scuttle]

Are we reading this right, is it not that they have approached 4 clubs hoping to secure just 1?

What I have read is that there were earlier conversations with the 4, then things went quiet for a while, and there has now been a further conversation with 1 of the 4.

Other way around according to the telegraph. Originally just Gloucester, but PIF didn't see that as attractive enough so the other 3 became involved.

Yes apologies, misremembered in haste.

[trendylfj]

Saints have issued an interesting statement saying they have had NO DIRECT CONTACT with any Saudi investor - but what about INDIRECT through a third party????

https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/new ... ent-feb-24

[watsonjm]

Saints have issued an interesting statement saying they have had NO DIRECT CONTACT with any Saudi investor - but what about INDIRECT through a third party????

https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/new ... ent-feb-24

Someone on twitter replied to this saying that's exactly how the Newcastle deal happened, all through a third party

[VernonAtrium]

With what happened to Worcester, Wasps, et. al. I'm surprised the RFU hasn't ripped the Saudis' hand off.

[Rugbygramps]

With what happened to Worcester, Wasps, et. al. I'm surprised the RFU hasn't ripped the Saudis' hand off.

Don’t think the RFU are involved these are direct/ indirect approaches to clubs. Whether the RFU would have to sanction a 19% share in a club I don’t know

[johnthegriff]

If the Worcester directors had been in Saudi they would have had their hands removed.

[fentiger]

With what happened to Worcester, Wasps, et. al. I'm surprised the RFU hasn't ripped the Saudis' hand off.

Well that would require a speed of thought and reaction of professional standard, not something the RFU are known for

[ads]

Although I don't like the idea of getting into bed with the Saudis, I thnk I'd be more gutted if other clubs got shed loads of money and we missed out!

[CrumblingTerrace]

Although I don't like the idea of getting into bed with the Saudis, I thnk I'd be more gutted if other clubs got shed loads of money and we missed out!

This is the dilemma facing supporters...

Do we continue, boldly and nobly, as starving artists?

Or do we feast at the top table, knowing that if we don't someone else will?

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

Although I don't like the idea of getting into bed with the Saudis, I thnk I'd be more gutted if other clubs got shed loads of money and we missed out!

This is the dilemma facing supporters...

Do we continue, boldly and nobly, as starving artists?

Or do we feast at the top table, knowing that if we don't someone else will?

Depends how much Antacid Tablets you have.