RUMOUR | Newcastle Falcons could become the richest club in the world
Rugby NewsSunday, 19 April 2020 at 16:13
A source in the North East has told RUCK that there could be a long-term ambition from Newcastle United's incoming new owners to also purchase Newcastle Falcons in the long-term.
Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners has agreed a deal to buy Newcastle and end Mike Ashley's 13-year tenure as the club's owner, according to sources directly involved in the takeover.
The Saudi fund (PIF), controlled by Prince Mohammed bin Salman will hold 80 per cent of the club shares, while Amanda Staveley will hold 10 per cent of the shares and it is expected that she will play a key role in the running of the club.
The final 10 per cent will be controlled by billionaire brothers, David and Simon Reuben. They have significant property interests in the Newcastle area - including owning the city's racecourse.
Although not on their immediate agenda, there's a genuine intention from the new owners to invest in the area and finish where Sir John Hall, who once owned both clubs, left off.
How much is Saudi Public Investment Fund worth?
According to its website, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is "seeking to become one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world" with reported assets of $320bn (£250.86bn) worldwide.
What does Sir John Hall think?
"They need to immerse themselves into the community, invest in the academy, the training ground and the city as a whole. If they do this, then I'd welcome them with open arms.
"It would be wonderful to see them build a team that was a blend of local lads and some superstars and perhaps start to challenge in the top five again in the next few years."
Six Nations captains ranked by how much fun they’d be on a night out
What does the Six Nations and British Pubs have in common?
Well, sadly, they're both shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic and it remains to be seen when either live rugby or enjoying a pint with your mates will be back on the table.
Inspired by an article from Give Me Sport, we rank them from 6-1.
6. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
This is why pubs have coffee machines now. Strap yourselves in for some quiet chats around a cappuccino that you just have to imagine real hard is an Irish coffee. Persuade Johnny to the club and he’ll tell the DJ to ‘turn the music down’, before dialling a noise complaint to the police.
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
The type of guy to see his mate throwing up against a wall, run over to give him an emotional team talk and applaud him for showing 'great character' when they miraculously make it past the bouncer again. Sets a strict 2am curfew and sticks to it every single time.
Alun Wyn Jones, Captain of Wales Rugby tells his players to remain focused during the Guinness Six Nations Championship match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on February 23, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
4. Charles Ollivon (France)
Classy cocktail bars only. A night out with the French skipper involves talking about literature and the economy while sipping Old Fashioned cocktails that get you leathered but, somehow, seem to have no effect on him. An amazing evening overall.
3. Owen Farrell
A few pints in he convinces you to head to the local rock bar as a mosh pit isn’t a mosh pit until Farrell bulldozes in with no arms. After starting hard, he'll be purchasing glasses of clear liquid by 2am that you know is water, but he insists is vodka with flat lemonade.
Owen Farrell, Captain of England Rugby gets very vocal during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 16th March 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
2. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Prepare for hour-long lectures on the new, organic, indie pale ales he’s drinking that are ‘changing the game’. That, and deep heart-to-heart chats by the third pint which are strangely aggressive. Gives you the best night out of your life without you even knowing how he managed it.
1. Luca Bigi
You could take Luca to the dingiest club in town and he’ll still order a glass of red wine, just to stand in the corner like a classy motherf*****. There might be students wading about in their own sick, but Luca will still look as though he’s stood in a Dolce and Gabbana ad. An absolute chick magnet.
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