Equity deal is a necessity for SA Rugby
Mark Alexander, SA Rugby president, spoke on the 'To The Last Drop' podcast about the need for a strong equity partner to secure funding and global growth for the Springboks, crucial for the sport's future success.
South African Rugby Union (SARU) president, Mark Alexander, joined Liam del Carme and Brenden Nel, hosts of the 'To The Last Drop' podcast, to discuss the financial struggles the sport is currently facing. After a failed attempt to secure an equity partner, Alexander emphasised the need for the right partner — one who can provide both financial support and expertise to help grow rugby globally.
“The local game needs an injection of cash,” Alexander said, stressing that SARU's goals extend beyond money. He wants a partner who can help take the Springbok brand to new international heights.
While the Springboks’ success is a source of pride, financial pressures highlight the need for innovative strategies. The right partner could help expand the brand, use digital platforms, and support grassroots rugby.
However, Alexander warned against rushing into a partnership that could harm the sport’s integrity. The search for the right partner is critical for rugby’s future in South Africa, and Alexander aims to ensure the Springboks thrive both on and off the field.
Listen to the latest episode of 'To the Last Drop' below.
About the 'To The Last Drop' podcast hosts
Liam Del Carme
Liam is one of the country's most enduring sports writers. His time in the newsrooms pre-dates rugby turning professional in the 1990s. Del Carme has been in the employ of broadsheet newspapers The Argus, Sunday Independent, This Day and Beeld, and is currently the rugby writer at The Sunday Times. Del Carme has reported at six Rugby World Cups and around 20 Currie Cup finals.
He loves cooking and travel and is the author of the book 'WINGING IT – On tour with the Boks'. When time allows, he is a television pundit and writes a regular column on timeslive.co.za under the title ‘The Worst of Times’.
Brenden Nel
Rugby has always been a passion for Brenden, so much so that he made it a career. Since first entering a newsroom at the Citizen almost three decades ago, he has written for some of the biggest titles in the world, including Rapport, the Independent (UK), The Times (UK), South China Morning Post and a host of others. Currently, he covers all things rugby for Supersport.com and has reported on no less than four World Cups, five Sevens World Cups and around 250 test matches in total.
Brenden is also the author of "Derick Hougaard - Dieware storie van Loftus se Liefling” and has a popular YouTube channel under his name. He loves nothing more when away from the game than a glass of good red wine, a good fire and spending time with his wife and four rescue dogs.
Listen to previous episodes via the full 'To the Last Drop' channel below: