Exclusive: Prem Rugby CEO set for US trip to woo banks and private equity

Prem Rugby chief Simon Massie-Taylor will embark on a Stateside schmooze next month in a bid to drum up investment into the English game, City AM understands. The chief executive is set to use the break in play provided by November’s international schedule to head to the United States, just weeks after holding talks with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom about a formal marketing collaboration. It is understood that Massie-Taylor, the former Rugby Football Union chief commercial officer, will speak to private equity houses and family offices about investing in the seven Prem Rugby teams who are yet to secure big-name backing following stake sales to energy drinks giant Red Bull, British billionaire Sir James Dyson and AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley. He will also meet US banks about potential sponsorship of Prem Rugby, which counts US-headquartered insurance firm Gallagher as its long-standing title partner. Massie-Taylor is expected to sell the domestic top flight as a stable invest