Saudi Arabian investors are reportedly in talks to buy stakes in English top-flight rugby clubs Leicester Tigers, Gloucester, Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons.

According to a report in the UK’s The Telegraph, Saudi investors linked to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) are in talks to inject millions of pounds into the four Premiership outfits.

World Cup-winning Springboks Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese, currently playing for Leicester, headline a strong SA contingent across the clubs, along with the likes of Ruan Ackermann, Juarno Augustus, Burger Odendaal and Philip van der Walt.

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It is understood that the PIF, known for its 80% stake in English Premier League side Newcastle United, is exploring seven-figure investments with the rugby clubs.

Discussions are believed to involve potential control of stadium naming rights and the establishment of a rugby academy in Saudi Arabia, bringing a potential combined investment of £60m (R1.4 billion). Premiership executives are aware, but the league has refrained from commenting on individual club matters.

The Telegraph reports that regulatory considerations, including ownership limits, are under scrutiny.

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