Bok legend Naas Botha on proposed ASG equity deal with SA Rugby: “No space for hidden agendas.”

Former Springbok flyhalf Naas Botha believes the Ackerley Sports Group’s proposed equity deal with the South African Rugby Union could be “absolutely fantastic” if it can help the governing body provide more opportunities for players in South Africa.

In December 2023, South African Rugby Union members unanimously voted in favour of ASG’ initial equity deal proposal, in which they offered $75-million (R1.3 billion) for a 20 percent stake in SA Rugby’s commercial arm, coupled with predictions of substantial growth for the Springbok brand, with them taking control of all current and future revenue-generating assets of the Boks and SA Rugby. 

The voting was originally scheduled to take place on October 17, but what pushed back to Decamber 6 as dissenting unions wanted clarity on just what South African rugby stands to gain from the deal with the Seattle-based company.

For the deal to get the go-ahead, SA Rugby needs a 75 percent majority votes on December 6.

Prior to that, the Americans will meet with the seven provincial unions from whom they’ve received push-back on December 3 in a meeting that will deliver the fate of the deal.

Botha emphasised that teams need more than a packed fixture sheet to generate income, and underlined the importance of transparency should South Africa stand to reap real rewards from the deal.

“If we look at how rugby structures work, you have your four URC teams. They have to rely heavily on their performances; very few clubs world wide really make money from rugby. That’s why I think it’s necessary that SA Rugby do what they propose to do,” he said in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport. 

“I almost want to say one can never make too much money out of your sport. There are 10 provinces that have to try and make a living, plus clubs and schools. Rugby costs a lot because they need to travel. The sad part for me is that you often get those children who can’t attend a tournament due to their financial situations. 

“So, I think something like this could play an unbelievable role for SA Rugby. But, it needs to be an open transaction, there shouldn’t be any hidden agendas. It must be about SA Rugby, not individuals. SA Rugby needs to benefit from this transaction.”

On the finer details surrounding the potential partnership, the four-time SA Rugby Player of the Year said: “I don’t have much information in terms of the commission structure, but only SA Rugby should benefit here. It needs to start with bulletjie rugby right up through the ranks, and if that’s the goal, then I think it could be absolutely fantastic.”

New Zealand, in a commercial sense, has taken their brand global, and Botha believes that the Boks – whose commercial value is estimated considerably lower then the All Blacks despite their more impressive trophy cabinet – are worth much more than their age-old rivals. 

That’s where this deal could strengthen South African rugby.

“I also think we should get more than New Zealand, we have two (back-to-back) World Cups and the coaches have done well to build this team.

“I am a big fan of such things, that’s what sport is about. If rugby is properly managed, it would be a billion-dollar industry. And I don’t think it’s being managed in that way yet.

“What bothers me is you hear stories of players having to pay to go to Craven Week, for example. I’m not saying that’s the case and I understand that SARU and the various provinces can’t pay for everything, but if you are representing them, you shouldn’t have to spend a cent.

“So, we have to ensure that the best talent gets the best opportunities, financial implications shouldn’t play a role. And if that’s the case, I am absolutely in favour of this deal.”