Crusaders buy into US professional team
The Canterbury Rugby Union and Crusaders have extended their reach and taken minority ownership stakes in the American professional rugby side, the Seattle Seawolves.
The Canterbury union is a major stakeholder of the Crusaders and both say they will do what they can to help develop players for the Seawolves.
The Seattle-based team was formed last year and will kick off its inaugural season in the new North American professional competition, the Major Rugby League, in April.
‘‘As the oldest rugby organisation in New Zealand we are excited to have secured a small stake in the future of professional rugby in the US,’’ Canterbury Rugby CEO Nathan Godfrey said.
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said his franchise would be looking to help the Seawolves.
‘‘We look forward to helping where we can and supporting them in their exciting journey to be a successful professional team and club.’’
New Zealand sporting rights company FHG Ltd has brokered the deal.
‘‘It’s my absolute pleasure to bring a small group of four investors from rugby in New Zealand to play a part in the exciting journey that will be the Seattle Seawolves,’’ said FHG managing director Warren Goddard.
The Seawolves recently announced the majority of its first season roster and it includes seasoned rugby veterans, Garrett Bender, Eric Duechle, and Nick Wallace.
The Seawolves will have their first MRL game on April 22 against San Diego Legion in Tukwila, which borders Seattle.