{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreiebplnxupg2bxv6otp5w6o2vf753kuhuqnogy4pv6jksrgbf56eei",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:oznbnvgr7dmvddiyvr7dih52/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhe3wctfrck2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreicavvol22xu3g2p234h66kcahw2xlsgkrdp5yta7voi3ymzd4jv4m"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 74141
  },
  "path": "/sport/rugby/bath-rugby-james-dyson-premiership-relegation",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-18T17:19:40.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Promotion and relegation to be SCRAPPED in radical new announcement as English rugby faces shake-up",
    "Steve Borthwick makes England admission after worst-ever Six Nations as head coach faces sack",
    "Fans left furious after major sporting event forced to halt after six minutes following power cut",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nSir James Dyson, the billionaire inventor whose family fortune was valued at £23billion in the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List, has agreed to acquire a 50 per cent stake in Bath Rugby.\n\nThe deal, understood to be worth tens of millions of pounds, comes after the Rugby Football Union scrapped relegation from the Premiership.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWhile Sir James' technology company has been a club sponsor since 2014, this marks the first time the entrepreneur has made a personal investment in the West Country outfit.\n\nThe 78-year-old has followed Bath for more than four decades, making him one of the club's most devoted supporters.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBruce Craig, who acquired full ownership of Bath in 2010, will continue as chairman despite now sharing equal ownership with Sir James.\n\nThe restructured arrangement has secured approval from Premiership club owners, the RFU and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.\n\nSources indicate the partnership was accelerated by recent changes to the league's structure.\n\nThe most notable change was the removal of the RFU's council from Premiership decision-making.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nA source told the Telegraph: \"That was definitely a factor in the timing of Sir James's investment.\n\n\"It will also make things far easier in terms of bank finance, especially with the new stadium.\n\n\"The bank's first question was always: 'what happens if you get relegated?'\"\n\nSir James' investment will make him co-owner of Bath Rugby, the holding company that controls not only the club itself but also the Recreation Ground stadium and training facilities at Farleigh House.\n\n### LATEST SPORT NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Promotion and relegation to be SCRAPPED in radical new announcement as English rugby faces shake-up\n  * Steve Borthwick makes England admission after worst-ever Six Nations as head coach faces sack\n  * Fans left furious after major sporting event forced to halt after six minutes following power cut\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe historic ground is set for a £70million transformation into a venue called Arena 1865.\n\nMuch of the club's existing debt is expected to be eliminated through funds from the technology tycoon.\n\nBath claimed their first league championship in 29 years last season, and the club recently confirmed it had completed the mandatory salary cap audit for the 2024/25 campaign.\n\nSir James expressed his deep personal connection to the club.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said: \"This is the club I have supported for most of my life. My children and my grandchildren do so, too. I stood on the terraces and have watched the high moments as well as the difficult years.\"\n\nHe praised Craig for transforming Bath into a competitive force, adding: \"I am here to support, just as I have for the past 45 years, but now with greater commitment and responsibility.\"\n\nCraig described the partnership as inevitable.\n\nHe noted: \"James understands Bath first and foremost as a supporter and a friend. His family has stood behind the club for decades.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Sir James Dyson buys 50 per cent of Bath Rugby after RFU scrapped relegation from the Premiership"
}