Multi-million pound agreement is entered to invest in PRO14 contest

Word of the investment has come at a difficult time for the game in Scotland.

Against the current COVID-19 pandemic background and the associated concerns it has generated in society and sport, the conclusion of the CVC project will provide some positive news for rugby across the PRO14 nations of Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy.

Scottish Rugby’s Board will consider this new investment as part of its ongoing budget management and has no immediate plans for the allocation of the funds.

It intends to safeguard the investment until a clearer picture emerges of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scottish Rugby chief executive, Mark Dodson said: “We believed, and were quite clear, that the potential for external investment into our sport was possible and were in the vanguard of this through the delivery of the CVC partnership.

“The conclusion of the CVC investment into PRO14 is the culmination of a huge amount of work and is a welcome positive boost for the sport in these extremely challenging times.

“It demonstrates a confidence in the future of rugby in Scotland and our PRO14 partner nations and shows the tournament is an attractive commercial proposition, which is open to innovative thinking and partnership working.

“This deal has a value to rugby in Scotland and the PRO14 beyond the financial transaction as it brings CVC’s knowledge and influence on board, which we look forward to seeing the benefits of in the years to come.

Mr Dodson added: “Our current focus remains on supporting the rugby community at every level at this difficult time and keeping our staff, players and all those associated with the game safe.”