TECH billionaire Sir James Dyson has brought half of Bath — making it one of the richest rugby union clubs in the world.
Dyson, already a sponsor, will form a partnership with Bruce Craig after taking a 50 per cent stake in the Premiership champs.
Long-time fan Dyson boasts an estimated net worth of £21BILLION.
While Craig, Bath owner since 2010, is worth £300million himself.
The move will clear the club’s debts and fund development of the Recreation Ground.
Craig’s cash attracted marquee players like Finn Russell and helped deliver a Premiership title, Prem Cup and Challenge Cup treble last season.
HEALTH SHOCK
Broadcast legend, 69, takes break from commentary to fight cancer
CAMPER
Win a VW Campervan + £5,000 or £40,000 cash alternative from just 16p with our code
Dyson, 78, said: “Bruce deserves enormous respect for rebuilding the club to be the force that it is today and I am not here to change that.
“I am here to support, just as I have for the past 45 years, but now with greater commitment and responsibility.
“My family and I are proud to stand alongside Bruce as equal partners to further strengthen the foundations of Bath Rugby, realise the new stadium and help ensure its future.
“Bath Rugby matters deeply to this city and its wonderful supporters.
Most read in Uncategorized
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
“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.”
Craig, 63, added: “James understands Bath Rugby first and foremost as a supporter and a friend.
“His family has stood behind the club for decades and it always felt inevitable that our paths would align in this way.
“I will continue to run Bath Rugby and together we will strengthen its foundations, realise the new stadium and build the club for generations to come.”
Bath plan to increase the Rec’s capacity from 14,509 to more than 18,000.