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SEO-Optimized Rugby Union News: Saudi Investment Eyed by Newcastle Falcons in Gallagher Premiership
Published: 20:22 BST, 21 March 2024 | Updated: 02:15 BST, 22 March 2024
Newcastle’s consultant director of rugby, Steve Diamond, would “definitely” welcome the Falcons becoming the first Gallagher Premiership club to receive investment from Saudi Arabia. This comes as the city’s Premier League football side, Newcastle United, is already 80% owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Diamond believes a potential financial deal with Saudi Arabia should not be questioned despite the country’s poor human rights record, given the bleak financial situation facing English rugby union.
“English club rugby is in a delicate position. It needs to get out of the jam it has found itself in,” said Diamond, adding that “rugby union is very good at killing itself” by turning away investment opportunities.
The Newcastle Falcons, who are yet to win a game in the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season, have already had discussions with Saudi rugby dignitaries, who plan to attend an upcoming home game. Diamond claims there is a “natural connection” due to PIF’s involvement with Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, the Premiership has renewed its broadcast deal with TNT Sports on a two-year term, with a commitment to show every match live from the 2024-25 campaign. The league is also set to lose several high-profile players, including England No. 8 Billy Vunipola, who has agreed a move to Montpellier.
As the “bbc rugby union, rugby union news, rugby union scores, rugby world cup final, when did rugby union go professional” continue to dominate the headlines, the potential investment from Saudi Arabia could provide a much-needed financial boost for the Newcastle Falcons and the wider English rugby union landscape.
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