Summary
Tony Rowe, who has led Exeter Chiefs rugby club for over 30 years, supports the club’s sale to new American owners who plan to invest more money into the team. Rowe believes expanding the English rugby Premiership and including Welsh clubs could improve the sport’s financial future.
Key Facts
- Exeter Chiefs rugby club, 155 years old, may be sold to American investors pending member approval in May.
- Tony Rowe has managed the club for 33 years and wants an investor with more money to support growth.
- Other English clubs like Newcastle and Bath have already attracted new investment.
- Rowe wants to expand the Premiership from 10 clubs to 12 or 14, possibly including Welsh teams like Swansea and Cardiff.
- Welsh rugby is struggling financially, and combining some clubs with the Premiership could help.
- The club is recovering from financial losses caused by Covid and an economic downturn.
- Rowe criticizes the government and Rugby Football Union for providing insufficient financial support.
- The new owners aim to keep the club’s identity while injecting fresh funds to build a stronger team.
