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Potential new Cardiff Rugby investors Martyn Ryan (left), Gareth West (centre left), Niels Juul (centre right) and Reg Clark (right)(Image: Gareth Everett\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\nA new consortium interested in buying Cardiff Rugby spoke exclusively to WalesOnlinePotential new Cardiff Rugby investors Martyn Ryan (left), Gareth West (centre left), Niels Juul (centre right) and Reg Clark (right)(Image: Gareth Everett\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\n
A consortium led by Hollywood producers has launched a bid to buy Cardiff Rugby<\/a> from the Welsh Rugby Union – promising a bold revival for the club and an innovative TV project to boost its global appeal.<\/p>\n British-born producer Gareth West, whose credits include the film Ferrari, has partnered with Mark Williams, best known for producing the critically acclaimed Netflix series Ozark and hit movies The Accountant 1 & 2, in the bold move. They are joined by Danish executive Niels Juul, known for his work on major Hollywood productions such as Silence, The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon.<\/p>\n Former Cardiff<\/a> Rugby director Martyn Ryan and Rhino Sport & Leisure CEO Reg Clark are also part of the consortium, which aims to inject significant funds into the club and introduce a scripted television series to raise Cardiff\u2019s global profile.<\/p>\n Cardiff entered administration in April and were saved by the Welsh Rugby Union<\/a>. This consortium is one of six who have expressed an interest in buying Cardiff and have plans to invest significant money into the club.<\/p>\n Professional rugby in Wales is at its most critical stage since the inception of regional rugby in 2003.<\/p>\n In August, the WRU executive put forward what it feels is the optimal solution for the professional game in Wales, which included a reduction from four to two teams. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.<\/a><\/p>\n After a month-long consultation with key stakeholders it has presented its findings to the main WRU board who will make a final decision by the end of the month.<\/p>\n In an exclusive interview with WalesOnline, the group laid out their ambitious vision to restore Cardiff Rugby as a powerhouse in Welsh and European rugby, while also tapping into global audiences through storytelling and media.<\/p>\n Cardiff will almost certainly survive any cull in the number of teams, but this consortium are conscious the model of running a professional club has to change.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s a multi-faceted project and there’s a number of individual things within that,” Ryan told WalesOnline.<\/p>\n “We are talking about media, we are talking about apparel, we are talking about TV, all with the goal of increasing fan engagement.<\/p>\n “These guys have got untold experience of American fan engagement, all of those will come together to drive the investment.<\/p>\n “That will then help recruit the best players, men and women – we plan on adding a women\u2019s side as well – which will produce better sides.<\/p>\n “In the meantime do we need to bring in players? Yes, for sure.<\/p>\n “When we won in Bilbao we had a really good blend of Islanders, Valleys boys and the Pontcanna crowd.<\/p>\n “That’s what we need to do. It’s a 10-year project to be talking about winning at the top end of the European game, but realistically we missed out on getting into Europe by one point last year.<\/p>\n “A properly run, more concentrated team with strong players should be achievable within a reasonable timescale.\u201d<\/p>\n A key component of the proposed takeover is the development of a scripted television series based on Cardiff Rugby – not a documentary, but a show inspired by the club, the city and its culture.<\/p>\n \u201cMark Williams is leading the development of the scripted television series,” West told WalesOnline. \u201cThe project will be a fully written drama, rather than a fly-on-the-wall series.<\/p>\n “This will really help put the club and the city of Cardiff on the map around the world.”<\/p>\n While the television project is ambitious in size and scope, the consortium insists their primary focus is on rugby success.<\/p>\n If their bid is accepted, they plan to invest in the squad, coaching staff, and infrastructure, while also working to retain and develop Welsh talent.<\/p>\n “I always remember the excitement when players like Jonah Lomu came and you had all of these greats on the team,” West told WalesOnline.<\/p>\n “The other important thing is working to keep Welsh talent in Wales, and make sure that it is an aspirational club for players to play for.<\/p>\n “You’ve got to have the right players, the right coaches and the right strategy.\u201d Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n Many supporters will have their reservations after Helford Capital’s time at the club. Rhino CEO Clark acknowledged the concerns, but insists this group has the credibility and commitment to follow through.<\/p>\n “The thing which has impressed me about these guys is there’s a tendency to jump into the end bit which is a TV show which interests people in Welsh rugby and Cardiff Rugby,” Clark told WalesOnline.<\/p>\n “That takes time. The first period is simply about running a rugby club effectively, and then when the series is a success where does it go big? The United States.<\/p>\n “All of these people all of a sudden are interested in Cardiff and Cardiff Rugby, that’s the launching pad.<\/p>\n “The message I would get across to the Cardiff fans is that these are very real people.<\/p>\n “They have real track records who are used to operating substantial projects on a global scale.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first thing is it has got to happen on the pitch and there’s got to be stability and people have got to know these guys are in for the long-term.”<\/p>\n Looking ahead, the group is realistic about the timeline. The first phase will be focused squarely on the rugby, improving results, retaining talent, and creating a professional environment that draws players in.<\/p>\n “The first two years will be very much about on-field,” said West.<\/p>\n \u201cThe club can’t grow unless it’s growing on the field, so that is where you start.<\/p>\n “You’ve got to have the right scouts and we’ve got to work out how to keep Welsh players at academy level, that’s so important.<\/p>\n “The creativity will then come from the long-term work on the marketing and a television series.<\/p>\n “With fresh investment, bold ideas, and a deep respect for tradition, our aim is to transform Cardiff into more than just a team.<\/p>\n “The consortium intends to create a community, a brand and a story that resonates far beyond the pitch.”<\/p>\n * Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here<\/a> and our WhatsApp channel here<\/a> for all the breaking news.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on social media on our X account<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and TikTok.<\/a><\/p>\n For more exclusive stories and in-depth analysis, you can sign up for the Inside Welsh Rugby substack newsletter here.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Potential](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_JS384240526.jpg\")
Potential new Cardiff Rugby Investors, Reg Clarke, left, Gareth West second left, and Niels Fuul, right, at Cardiff Arms Park(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1760399232_730_0_-.jpg\")
Potential Cardiff investors Gareth West (centre) and Niels Juul (left) discuss their plans(Image: Gareth Everett\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1760399232_309_0_-.jpg\")
Potential new Cardiff investors Niels Juul (left) and Gareth West (right) at the Arms Park on Saturday night(Image: Gareth Everett\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\n