Thursday 07 May 2026 5:00 am | Updated: Thursday 07 May 2026 1:23 am Cornish Pirates announce US investment into Champ Rugby team By: Matt Hardy Deputy Sports Editor - City AM Share Facebook Share on Facebook X Share on Twitter LinkedIn Share on LinkedIn WhatsApp Share on WhatsApp Email Share on Email Add as a preferred source on Google US investors have taken a stake in Champ Rugby club Cornish Pirates US investors have taken a stake in Champ Rugby club Cornish Pirates as English ovalball continues to be seen as an attractive asset class. The Cornish Pirates, who play their home games at Mennaye Field in Penzance, have become the first known English rugby union club to onboard major American investors. J. Kenneth Moritz and John H. Tippins join the Cornish Pirates investment structure days after local businessman Richard Wastnage was added the board after investing into the South West club. It comes after Black Knight – a consortium including Oscar winner Michael B Jordan – look set to purchase Exeter Chiefs. Cornish Pirates are describing the move as the “first known US investment into an English professional rugby club” just weeks after City AM said that at least four clubs in the English second tier were looking to capitalise on the possible franchising of the top flight Prem Rugby by talking to overseas investors. News Updates Stay ahead with our three daily briefings delivering all the key market moves, top business and political stories, and incisive analysis straight to your inbox. Cornish Pirates chief Sally Pettipher said: “This is a hugely significant moment for Cornish Pirates. To attract investment from experienced US investors of this calibre is a powerful endorsement of our strategy, our people and our long-term vision to build real value, both financial and social.” Cornish Pirates leading Prem Rugby? The fund raise comes amid a flurry of capital raises across Prem Rugby from sources outside of the group of individuals who have kept England’s top flight alive for 30 years. Read more Exclusive: Rugby League monitoring Henry Pollock amid £1m Hearn wage demands Energy drinks tycoon Red Bull last year invested in Newcastle before hoover magnate Sir James Dyson made a significant investment into champions Bath as part of a debt for equity swap. Northampton Saints , too, confirmed a hefty minority raise in the club from rugby fan Steve Zander, who is now on the board. And later this month at an EGM, Exeter Chiefs are expected to vote through a takeover bid from Black Knight, the consortium featuring Oscar winner Michael B Jordan that owns Premier League club AFC Bournemouth. City AM revealed that the shift in investment attitude to the Prem has filtered down to the second tier Champ, with four clubs having discussions with investors, while London Irish are ready to list on the same Republic platform as Gloucester. Kenn Moritz said : “We see a compelling opportunity in Cornish Pirates – a club with a proud history, a passionate community and a clear strategic plan for growth. Rugby is entering an exciting global phase, and we believe this investment places us at the heart of that journey.” Added Tippins : “Coming from Pittsburgh, we understand the power of sport to unite communities and drive economic growth. Cornwall has that same passion, and we are excited to support the Pirates as they build something truly special.” Read more Champions Cup rugby team hacked in ransom attack with player data at risk Share this article Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Similarly tagged content: Sections Sport News Categories Sport Business Business Rugby Union Rugby Sport People & Organisations Champ Rugby ChampRug Cornish Pirates Elior Champ Rugby Prem Rugby Rugby Rugby Union Related Topics Rugby business Rugby Union Trending Articles Pensioners to hand over bank statements in government benefits crackdown Jaguar reveals the Type 01’s screen-free interior Jamie Carragher: HMRC petitions for Sky Sports star to be declared bankrupt City firms mandate phone and face-to-face comms bootcamps for Gen Z lawyers Jamie Vardy bags Bundesliga rights as he steps up streaming war with Neville and Lineker More from City AM Exclusive: Rugby League monitoring Henry Pollock amid £1m Hearn wage demands Sport Business Champions Cup rugby team hacked in ransom attack with player data at risk Sport Business Ticket price hikes proof Wales Rugby Union is tone deaf to loyal fan concerns Sport Business Prem Rugby team ditch Big Game fixture at Premier League ground Sport Business How sevens and Olympics can be commercial rugby lifeline Sport Business London City 7s sign up Springbok-producing powerhouse varsity team Sport Business Sorry Hearn, Northampton Saints idiots if they pay Pollock £1m Sport Business Exclusive: Twickenham residents branded anti-fun NIMBYs in rugby stadium row Sport Business Subscribe Subscribe to the City AM newsletter to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox. 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