Sonny in the money with shares deal as part of his Toronto move
SONNY Bill Williams will have an extra incentive to help Toronto Wolfpack make a success of their entry into Super League after taking shares in the club.
The 34-year-old New
Zealand dual-code international is the highest-paid player in either code after signing a two-year deal thought to be in the region of £5m.
The ambitious Canadians have not disclosed details of the deal but chairman Bob Hunter confirmed that the former All Black has been given equity in the club.
“He was offered as part of his package a significant number of shares in the parent organisation and the intent long term is to take that whole company public,” Hunter said.
“You don’t know whether that’s worth a dollar a share or 10 dollars a share, the market at some point will tell you what they think it’s worth, but it’s significant.”
The Wolfpack have their own company HowlBrands, which is centred on a cannabidiol product called Rugby Strength, and believe the high-profile acquisition of Williams will further strengthen their plans to become a global sporting brand.
Hunter says the club are already starting to cash in on their big-name recruit before he has even packed a scrum.
“The fan interest just generally and the amount of media attention which helps you sell everything has been tremendous,” he said.
Toronto kick off their Super League campaign against Castleford on Sunday week as part of a double-header at Headingley, where Leeds will also take on Hull.