Andrew Mehrtens aims to revolutionize rugby like Man City
- In November 2024, Mehrtens, Jordan, and Skinstad purchased a controlling stake in French club Beziers.
- Mehrtens is focused on creating a network of connected clubs to benefit club performance.
- His ownership model draws inspiration from successful sports ownership strategies in football.
In early November 2024, Andrew Mehrtens, along with Eddie Jordan and Bobby Skinstad, acquired a controlling interest in Beziers, a French rugby club in the second division. This club holds significant importance for Mehrtens, as it is where he concluded his playing career. The former fly-half has expressed that Beziers is his top priority amidst other ongoing commitments. He shared insights on the potential development of a network of clubs similar to the City Football Group model, indicating that their goal extends beyond mere ownership to enhancing the overall performance of the club. Although their most immediate focus is Beziers, there are discussions with other clubs, notably in Ireland, about future opportunities. Mehrtens highlighted the benefits of having a connected network, which could provide resources beneficial to Beziers. His intention to leverage his extensive rugby knowledge and contacts to support the club's success indicates a dual approach that combines passion for the sport with an entrepreneurial spirit. Mehrtens acknowledges he is not equipped to manage a rugby club on a daily basis, rather he plans to work with experts in the field. He brings with him two decades of playing experience, which he views as a valuable asset in achieving their goals. As he embarks on this ownership journey, his prior successes, including leading various clubs to promotion in his career, serve as a motivational backdrop for their aspirations in club management. He maintains that while financial gain is not the central objective, the pursuit of success in rugby remains a primary focus. The venture represents a growing trend among former athletes, particularly in rugby, where established players are seeking greater involvement in club ownership, drawing on their athletic experiences. This shift could result in significant changes within the rugby landscape, as more established figures enter into governance roles, potentially leading to shifts in management practices and competitive strategies, ultimately enhancing the sport's professional approach.