Simon Massie-Taylor, CEO Prem Rugby: 'From Red Bull’s Newcastle Investment to Building the Best League in Rugby' (Ep83)

This week we’re delighted to welcome Simon Massie-Taylor to the show. Simon is the CEO of The newly branded Prem Rugby. The competition has faced well publicised challenges in recent years, with clubs going bust and broader questions around the viability of the sport as an attractive investment. But with attendances on the rise, commercial income flowing, major long term broadcasting deals and the Red Bull marketing machine as a new stakeholder, this is a competition looking forward not backwards. 

With talk of challenger leagues and continual disruption to the established order of rugby, this is a perfect time to understand why Prem Rugby and broader club rugby in England still holds the greatest appeal. The challenge is grabbing that opportunity; an unrelenting commitment to ensure when fans tune into the sport away from the international game, that this is the competition they turn to. Let’s see what the plans are.

On today’s show we discuss: 

Investment in Prem Rugby:

• Why did Red Bull decide to invest in Prem Rugby with their purchase of Newcastle Falcons?
• Is club rugby a good investment when there are so many opportunities to buy assets in broader sport?
• There has been a new type of investor coming into rugby. Why is this important?
• Can you continue to run a league when clubs continue to lose money?
• What type of profile to Prem Rugby want to see from prospective owners?

Improving the Product:

• Despite all the challenges the game has faced over the last 10 years, attendances are rising, media deals are getting bigger, commercials are stronger than ever. Why?
• The importance of attracting a new audience while maintaining the relationship with the existing fanbase.
• Why more isn’t always better; the challenger league conundrum. 
• Aligning the global calendar to ensure a clash of major tournaments does not diminish the quality of the game. 

Financial Sustainability is Essential:

• What is the importance of good governance in rugby?
• Why understanding the responsibilities of each organisation and their executives will allow for a future of collective progress; rising tide lifts all boats.
• What did the CVC deal allow the league to do, and is more private equity investment on the horizon?
• How is the salary cap facilitating more responsible financial management?
• What does the future hold? Better financial performance and regulation to drive the commercial and investment viability of the sport.

A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:

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