The South African Rugby Union has officially become a shareholder in the United Rugby Championship (URC), cementing its place alongside the Irish, Italian, Scottish, and Welsh unions, as well as private equity group CVC Capital Partners, in the ownership structure of the league. The move, finalised this week, completes a process that began eight years ago when the first South African teams entered European competition.

Since joining the then-PRO14 in 2018 and ramping up involvement with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers in 2021, South Africa has steadily realigned itself away from the southern hemisphere. SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer called the day a "red-letter day" for South African rugby saying “We look forward to growing the competition as full partners with our colleagues in the north.”

URC chief Martin Anayi echoed the significance, remarking “There is no doubt about the hugely positive impact South African rugby has had on our league, and confirmation of their addition as a shareholder was always part of the roadmap. In 2018 and again in 2021, South African rugby showed vision and courage in reshaping where their teams competed, and this milestone is a testament to that foresight.”

The URC’s data reflect a competition on the rise, with cumulative broadcast audiences exceeding 175 million and digital video views on track to reach one billion this season. Notably, four different teams have won the title in the first four years of South African participation, pointing to a balanced and compelling contest.

This shift underscores South Africa’s determination to secure long-term stability and commercial growth for its franchises, signalling a definitive break from the old SANZAAR axis. With its place at the table now secured, South African rugby looks set to play a defining role in shaping the URC’s next chapter.