United Rugby Championship plotting ‘ambitious future’ as they prepare to launch 16-team format in September… with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation agency – who already works with Saracens – joining forces to grow game’s audience
- The United Rugby Championship have secured a partnership with Roc Nation
- Roc Nation, founded by rapper Jay-Z, is already involved in rugby with Saracens
- Part of the partnership will see Roc Nation help with a Player Advisory Group
Leading entertainment agency Roc Nation have bolstered their involvement in rugby after confirming a new partnership with the United Rugby Championship.
The company, which was founded by rapper Jay-Z, already boast Saracens and England international Maro Itoje on their roster and they have now announced a new link-up with the URC – formerly known as the PRO14.
Roc Nation will assist in the development of a Player Advisory Group within the URC, offering players a seat at the table to voice their opinions and share views on the promotion and marketing of the game.
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation have confirmed a new partnership with the United Rugby Championship
The company, started by American rapper Jay-Z (right) already has sports stars such as Marcus Rashford (pictured, left) and Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne on their client list
The partnership follows last month’s announcement of the newly formed URC, an evolution of the PRO14 into a 16-team league format, from September 2021.
The championship includes teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa.
Martin Anayi, CEO of The United Rugby Championship said: ‘Roc Nation is at the cutting edge of sports, entertainment and culture, and we believe there’s no better partner to help us reach new audiences and develop new experiences for fans.
British and Irish Lions star Maro Itoje is among the clients already teamed up with Roc Nation
‘We are looking forward to this partnership helping us achieve our ambitions of becoming a strong, purpose-led league where players and fans can have a voice and an influence.
‘With an unparalleled network in the world of entertainment and a track record in building strong connections between sporting heroes and their communities this is an opportunity to build towards the ambitious future we have for the United Rugby Championship.
‘We believe that rugby holds a unique inspirational quality and alongside Roc Nation our goal is to inspire the next generation of players and fans from all walks of life to keep growing the game.’