Ravensbeck Invests in Ultimate Rugby Sevens

LONDON: Ravensbeck, the firm set up by former Disney executive David Hulbert and Tim Richards, has made an investment in Ultimate Rugby Sevens (UR7s), an independent promoter of Rugby Sevens tournaments worldwide.

The deal marks the first round of external funding for UR7s. Hulbert and Ravensbeck executives Nicola Byrne, Simon Kenny and Geoff Ellis, will work with UR7s CEO Tim Lacey to build the existing online networking business and expand the global portfolio of Rugby Sevens media rights. The company has already unveiled plans for the first UK National Sevens Series, set for this summer.

Tim Lacey, CEO of UR7s, commented: “I have ambitious plans for Ultimate Rugby Sevens, as we move to further secure our position as the leading independent promoter for Rugby Sevens globally. UR7s has experienced phenomenal growth and success over its first year of operation. To accelerate this growth to the next stage and beyond, we want a partner with serious international media experience. I am confident that Ravensbeck is a perfect fit for Ultimate Rugby Sevens as we enter the next phase of our development.”

Hulbert, former president and COO of Walt Disney Television International and Ravensbeck’s founding director, added: “Rugby Sevens is already a major sport around the world, one that will continue to grow in scope and status in the build-up to its debut as an Olympic sport in 2016. UR7s has achieved impressive growth in the past year and is ideally positioned to help develop the club game and build its media presence around the world. I am very excited about future prospects.”