The men behind Hollywood's unlikely plan to take over Cardiff

The Welsh Rugby Union have six potential buyers for Cardiff Rugby, including some Tinseltown big hitters. Steffan Thomas reports

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> Potential new Cardiff Rugby Investors Reg Clarke, left; Gareth West second left; and Niels Juul, right, at Cardiff Arms Park last weekend

(GARETH EVERETT/ HUW EVANS AGENCY)

SIX months ago, Cardiff Rugby entered administration, prompting the Welsh Rugby Union to take ownership of the club.

Those were dark days for Welsh rugby, with uncertainty still hanging over the future of the four professional sides. The WRU is reportedly planning to cut at least one of these teams, but there is light at the end of the tunnel for Cardiff.

A consortium of six wealthy businessmen, including three Hollywood producers based in Los Angeles, has emerged with plans to buy the famous Welsh club. They are one of six parties who have expressed an interest in buying Cardiff.

In an exclusive interview earlier this week, they outlined ambitious plans - including a scripted TV series - designed to grow the club's global appeal and boost revenue.

But who are these individuals, and how did a trio of LA producers become involved in Welsh rugby?

In April, Cardiff Rugby entered administration after majority shareholders Helford Capital stopped making payments. Rhino CEO Reg Clark, a business associate of Niels Juul, was alerted to the club's situation.

"I was aware of the situation at Cardiff via Martyn Ryan (former Cardiff director who is part of the new consortium) and one day some months ago Niels, who I am working with on an athleisure wear project, just said out of the blue that what we really need to do is buy a rugby club," Clarke said. "I told Niels I know a rugby club which might possibly be available so Niels is on his second visit to Cardiff.

"He came down with Martyn (Ryan) and I to Cardiff some months ago and it really fired him up."

Ryan, a Cardiff director since 2013, was a key figure determined to assemble a consortium to save the club.