Cardiff Rugby - Administration

Cardiff Rugby, a professional rugby club competing in the United Rugby Championship and European Professional Club Rugby competitions, had its business and assets purchased out of administration by Welsh Rugby Players Limited, a company owned and controlled by The Welsh Rugby Union (the "WRU").

The Club, which plays its home games at the Cardiff Arms Park, has a rich history dating back to 1876.

According to a statement from joint administrators Rob Lewis and Ross Connock of PwC, who were appointed on 9 April, the Club was acquired by Helford Capital in January 2024, and the incoming shareholders provided various commitments to inject funding to support the Club’s operations. The shareholders injected certain sums, but significantly less than they agreed to provide. Consequently, the Club’s cash position deteriorated and ultimately became sustainable.

Immediately following their appointment, the administrators completed a sale of the Club’s business and assets to the WRU, providing stability for the Club to continue to trade whilst longer term ownership arrangements are explored. The sale includes the transfer of all 64 employees and 67 playing staff, whose contracts will be honoured, while the Club’s playing and business operations (including Cardiff RFC and the Cardiff Rugby Academy) will continue as normal under the WRU’s ownership.

The WRU and Paul Edward Bailey have registered charges against the Club.