Sir James Dyson, the billionaire inventor whose family fortune was valued at £23billion in the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List, has agreed to acquire a 50 per cent stake in Bath Rugby.
The deal, understood to be worth tens of millions of pounds, comes after the Rugby Football Union scrapped relegation from the Premiership.
While Sir James’ technology company has been a club sponsor since 2014, this marks the first time the entrepreneur has made a personal investment in the West Country outfit.
The 78-year-old has followed Bath for more than four decades, making him one of the club’s most devoted supporters.
Bruce Craig, who acquired full ownership of Bath in 2010, will continue as chairman despite now sharing equal ownership with Sir James.
The restructured arrangement has secured approval from Premiership club owners, the RFU and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Sources indicate the partnership was accelerated by recent changes to the league’s structure.
The most notable change was the removal of the RFU’s council from Premiership decision-making.
Sir James Dyson has agreed to acquire a 50 per cent stake in Bath Rugby
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A source told the Telegraph: “That was definitely a factor in the timing of Sir James’s investment.
“It will also make things far easier in terms of bank finance, especially with the new stadium.
“The bank’s first question was always: ‘what happens if you get relegated?'”
Sir James’ investment will make him co-owner of Bath Rugby, the holding company that controls not only the club itself but also the Recreation Ground stadium and training facilities at Farleigh House.
Sir James Dyson’s investment will make him co-owner of Bath Rugby
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The historic ground is set for a £70million transformation into a venue called Arena 1865.
Much of the club’s existing debt is expected to be eliminated through funds from the technology tycoon.
Bath claimed their first league championship in 29 years last season, and the club recently confirmed it had completed the mandatory salary cap audit for the 2024/25 campaign.
Sir James expressed his deep personal connection to the club.
Bath claimed their first league championship in 29 years last season
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He said: “This is the club I have supported for most of my life. My children and my grandchildren do so, too. I stood on the terraces and have watched the high moments as well as the difficult years.”
He praised Craig for transforming Bath into a competitive force, adding: “I am here to support, just as I have for the past 45 years, but now with greater commitment and responsibility.”
Craig described the partnership as inevitable.
He noted: “James understands Bath first and foremost as a supporter and a friend. His family has stood behind the club for decades.”
