Case Study: World Rugby

The Challenge

World Rugby recognised it was vital to adapt its existing business model to maximise the commercial performance of its major events and owned assets. Rugby’s global governing body also wanted to explore investment into key strategic areas that would future-proof its business and safeguard the long-term global development of the sport.

Oakwell's Role

Oakwell evaluated World Rugby’s existing business model and worked alongside senior management to explore its ability to take on external capital to meet its objectives. In addition, Oakwell outlined the business case, return on investment, and wider ecosystem benefit of World Rugby adapting its existing event hosting model and increasing investment into key owned assets and business functions.

Result

World Rugby successfully adopted a new event hosting model for future major events and is increasing its investment into key areas and functions including women’s rugby, growth markets, World Sevens Series, and its digital and data capabilities.

Oakwell continues to provide ongoing strategic advisory services to World Rugby senior management.