Super Rugby franchise, the Hurricanes, have announced global investment group, Y11 Sports & Media, and Coastland Malls CEO, Richard Mansell, as investors in the club.
After purchasing the Welsh club, Ospreys, in 2020, Y11 has now bought a 25% investment stake in the Hurricanes, additionally, Mansell has acquired a 12.5% stake, with both investments completing the private equity component of the franchise.
Along with minority ownership, Y11 will build on its commitment to professional club rugby by developing the Hurricanes’ IP globally, through the franchise’s global commercial rights outside of New Zealand and Australia.
Welcoming the investors, Hurricanes chairman, Iain Potter, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Y11 Sport & Media and Richard Mansell to the Club as shareholders.”
“Their addition means we now have a full roster of shareholders.
“Y11 are a great fit as they share our ambitions and vision, bringing international understanding, expertise and resources that will help propel our Club into an exciting new era.
“We’re thrilled by the opportunities this partnership will bring.
“Richard Mansell brings strong business experience and perspectives, and a real passion for rugby which will benefit us greatly,” he said.
Commenting on the franchise, Y11 chairman and CEO, James Davis-Yandle, said: “The Hurricanes is a massive brand, and we want to further maximise the franchise on a global scale through our management of their global commercial rights.”
“Professional club rugby has so much potential, especially with investment coming in at the top of the game through the leagues and the governing bodies and we have positioned ourselves to invest in the clubs that compete in those leagues and tournaments, where the governing bodies want to build best operating practices and competition, as it’s the platform for talent to succeed at an international level,” he said.
The announcement comes after the Super Rugby Pacific introduced ball-tracking technology to deliver 3D, real-time ball-tracking insights on athlete skills including key aspects such as hang time, distance, spin, and speed.
