The Welsh Rugby Union is seeking expressions of interest from potential investors in Cardiff Rugby.
The WRU acquired the business and assets of Cardiff Rugby on 9th April 2025, the day it filed for administration, but has a stated its preference is for all of its professional clubs to be independently owned in accordance with its published, five-year, ‘One Wales’ strategy.
The acquisition has allowed professional rugby to continue in the Welsh capital and for Cardiff Rugby business to continue to trade as previously, with CEO Abi Tierney stating that it was ‘unthinkable’ to countenance otherwise.
Founded in 1876 Cardiff is one of the most iconic teams in world rugby and is approaching its 150th anniversary season. It boasts a rich heritage and global recognition, including induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame – an honour bestowed upon only three clubs worldwide.
The club competes in the elite United Rugby Championship (URC) and European competitions run by European Professional Club Rugby (EPRC) and holds a prominent position in the northern hemisphere rugby landscape.
From memorable victories over international giants like New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia to a legacy of legendary players from Sir Gareth Edwards to Jonah Lomu and Barry John John to Jonathan Davies, Cardiff Rugby is steeped in history; and Sir Gareth continues to serve the Club as its esteemed Life President.
The club also plays a vital role in player development maintaining a wide-reaching development pathway across the Cardiff region and promotes participation throughout its communities through its respected foundation programme.
Home games are held at the 12,000-capacity Cardiff Arms Park, located adjacent to the 73,500-seat Principality Stadium – a hub for international rugby, major concerts and global sporting events.
For season 2024/25 average home attendances have exceeded 9,000, reflecting growing engagement and support and substantial opportunities exist to expand commercial, sponsorship, and matchday revenues.
The Club projects total revenues of approximately £11.8 million for FY2026, underpinned by PRA funding of £5.4 million and commercial income of £6.4 million. Despite current EBITDA losses of £1.1 million, a comprehensive review of the business plan is underway, with updated projections to be shared at the next stage of the process.
“Cardiff Rugby is a major feature within Welsh rugby with a proud legacy and a passionate supporter base and to lose such history from our capital city would have been unthinkable,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.
“The club is signed up to a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) with guaranteed funding over the next five years, but it is vital that we secure a vibrant and sustainable future for the Cardiff and we are seeking outside investment to do this.
“This process provides an exciting opportunity for an investor to become part of one of the most recognisable brands in world rugby, and we believe the right partner can help unlock the full potential of Cardiff Rugby on and off the pitch.”
The WRU sees its ownership of Cardiff as a temporary measure to ensure future success and sustainability but notes that the club is approximately £6 million in debt to the WRU (repayable by 2029) and £500,000 in legacy obligations that will need to be addressed to ensure continued stakeholder support.
The WRU invites interested parties to submit non-binding expressions of interest by close of business on 6 June 2025.
Shortlisted parties will receive further financial and commercial information and may enter discussions regarding a potential transaction on a non-exclusive basis.
For more information on how to apply please click the link below.