NEW Saracens special advisor Michael Yormark says the club plan on going global after their £32m takeover.
American Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports who have Springboks Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe on their books as well as Sarries' Maro Itoje, says the USA figures strongly in the Saracens' future.
“Saracens is an iconic club. They want to do things differently and think outside the box,” he said. “The investors are committed to taking their brand to a global level.
“They are big fans of sport in America and they want to use that as an example of where Saracens can go.”
Yormark said Saracens plan on playing future matches in the USA in order to broaden their appeal. “There have been conversations about playing games in America,” Yormark said. “Whether they're league games or friendlies I'm not sure, but I think they would absolutely love to play on American soil. It would be an exciting opportunity.
Former Sarries owner Nigel Wray – the man at the centre of his old team's salary cap scandal – has now stepped away from the management of the club as it begins a new era.
South Africa's 1995 World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar, Dominic Silvester and Marco Masotti – the owner of South African side Cell C Sharks – are at the centre of the new consortium.
Advisor Yormark is also helping the United Rugby Championship with its commercial objectives.
He adds: “It's a great opportunity for me and I've become very passionate about rugby.
“If you talk to Dominic and his partners, they want to be the best in the world and the best of the best at everything they do. The target is not just to be the model franchise in Europe.
“Their aspirations are very, very high and based on where they are now and their desire to improve, they will get there.
“My only motive is to help grow the sport. The fact we're involved with players, clubs and a league gives us an advantage I think.
“There will be some challenging moments –I can't be involved in negotiating Maro's deal at Saracens! That's why I'm not an investor at Saracens.
“If I was, I think it would have been a conflict of interest.”
By ALEX BYWATER
