Ex-England star applauds ‘outstanding’ Bath Rugby ownership change as English inventor acquires 50%
Ex-England star applauds 'outstanding' Bath Rugby ownership change as English inventor acquires 50%
English inventor Sir James Dyson has acquired a 50 per cent ownership stake in Bath Rugby, which includes the club’s stadium development company, and the Farleigh training facilities.
Dyson has pledged to introduce further capital to the club in an effort to reduce any existing debts and support the development of the club’s new stadium.
Sir James Dyson, who has supported Bath Rugby for more than 45 years, said the partnership was deeply personal.
“This is the club I have supported for most of my life. My children and my grandchildren do so too. I stood on the terraces and have watched the high moments as well as the difficult years,” he said.
“Bruce deserves enormous respect for rebuilding the club to be the force that it is today, and I am not here to change that. I am here to support, just as I have for the past forty-five years, but now with greater commitment and responsibility.
“My family and I are proud to stand alongside Bruce as equal partners to further strengthen the foundations of Bath Rugby, realise the new stadium and help ensure its future. Bath Rugby matters deeply to this city and its wonderful supporters who are the most dedicated in the land.”
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Bruce Craig, who bought the club 17 years ago, appears pleased with the new 50:50 arrangement, saying: “This has never been a short-term project. From the beginning, the aim has been to build something resilient, competitive and worthy of the club’s history.
“James understands Bath Rugby first and foremost as a supporter and a friend. His family has stood behind the club for decades, and it always felt inevitable that our paths would align in this way.
“I will continue to run Bath Rugby, and together we will strengthen its foundations, realise the new stadium and build the club for generations to come.”
“Both owners are proud that Bath Rugby’s team is led by Johann van Graan, with one of the most exciting and talented groups of players in the game captained by Ben Spencer, and with Tarquin McDonald as Chief Executive.”
“Outstanding news for Bath Rugby”
Former Bath and England centre, Jeremy Guscott, wrote on LinkedIn: “This is outstanding news for Bath Rugby. From mini rugby over 50 years ago, to senior rugby, to now watching from the stands, the club has always meant a lot to me. We’ve had some great moments over the years, but this feels like a real turning point.
“Sir James Dyson joining Bruce Craig is not just an investment, it’s a belief, legacy and long-term thinking. Exciting times ahead for everyone connected to Bath Rugby.”
Chief executive officer of PREM Rugby, Simon Massie-Taylor, added in a statement: “This is great news for Bath Rugby and their loyal and dedicated fans.
“This announcement is testament to the stewardship of Bruce Craig and his leadership team at the club and confirms just how attractive PREM Rugby now is to investors.”