With a host of new owners in Super League of late, we’ve looked at when each one took charge of their club and how they made their money.
Two Super League clubs were taken over by new owners in 2024 with Castleford Tigers and Hull FC both changing hands, whilst Wakefield Trinity were bought by a new owner in 2023.
That makes up a quarter of Super League with relatively new owners but plenty of other clubs have boasted the same man in charge for over two decades with the two longest-serving owners having taken charge back in 1996.
Rugby league is a sport that is a passion project for owners with clubs often running at a loss so we’re grateful to have such brilliant benefactors in the sport.
We’ve looked at the owners of each Super League club, including when they took over and how they made their money.
How every Super League club owner made their money
Castleford Tigers – Martin Jepson (2024)
Jepson first invested in Castleford Tigers in late 2023 before buying the Fulton’s controlling stake at the end of last season. He acted swiftly to appoint Danny McGuire as head coach, showing the type of ruthless decision-making that he has utilised in his career in real estate. As a chartered surveyor, Jepson’s knowledge and contacts could be key in finally getting Wheldon Road the developments it has been crying out for.
Catalans Dragons – Bernard Guasch (2001)
Bernard Guasch is one of Super League’s longest-serving owners with the Frenchman sticking by Catalans since their formation. Guasch has been nicked ‘the butcher’ given that he owns a meat processing company. Fans will remember an incident in 2023 when the club paraded a prize bull around the Stade Gilbert Brutus, only for it to escape and run riot.
Huddersfield Giants – Ken Davy (1996)
Davy has recently spoken about building a new stadium for the club that is better suited to the club’s current fan base. He’ll fund that using his earnings from a career in business, first selling his financial advice company DBS before then setting up SimplyBiz – a marketing service for financial advisers.
Hull FC – Andrew Thirkill and Richard Hood (2024)
The most recent new owners in Super League are Andrew Thirkill and Richard Hood. Thirkill had been Leeds Rhinos president but he takes over at Hull FC, using his money made in several businesses, including Age Partnership Group Limited and advertising, to finance the deal. As for Hood, he made his money in tech and now owns a private aviation company.
Hull KR – Neil Hudgell (2004 and sole ownership in 2019)
Neil Hudgell first invested in his hometown club in 2004 before taking full ownership 15 years later in 2019. He then announced his decision to step aside in 2020 but U-turned on that decision and he’ll be glad of that given the club’s current trajectory. Hudgell owns his own solicitors company which is the source of his wealth.
Leeds Rhinos – Paul Caddick (1996)
Caddick recently was honoured in the New Years Honours list for services to the sport and as one of the competition’s longest-serving owners, it’s no surprise. Caddick made his money in engineering and purchased the club back in 1996, currently owning 76% with Gary Hetherington owning 24%.
Leigh Leopards – Derek Beaumont (2014)
Beaumont is enjoying the most successful part of his decade-long association with Leigh with the club’s rebrand having seemingly transformed fortunes and ended the club’s status as a yo-yo club. Beaumont made his money as owner of AB Sundecks, a decking company who sponsor the 1895 Cup.
Salford Red Devils –Salford Holdings (2018)
After Marwan Koukash’s exit at Salford, the club have been owned by a fan consortium which is headed up by several people. Described as a “community benefit society with fan shareholder-appointed directors”, Salford Holdings have had ownership since 2018.
St Helens – Eamon McManus (2000)
Eamon McManus made his money in banking and he has been bankrolling St Helens since 2000 – leading the club to plenty of success. Starting as a solicitor in London before becoming an investment banker in Hong Kong, McManus has been a leading figure in whatever field he has worked in.
Wakefield Trinity – Matt Ellis (2023)
Ellis took over at Trinity in late 2023 and has overseen incredible off-field development that’s helped the club earn Grade A status and return to Super League. Ellis owns DIY Kitchens, a family company that he started working for back in 2002.
Warrington Wolves – Simon Moran (2003)
Moran has owned Warrington for over 20 years and taken the club through a successful period, particularly in the Challenge Cup during the early 2010s. Moran has established his wealth as a concert promotor and is the managing director of SJM Concerts.
Wigan Warriors – Mike Danson (2023)
Danson took over from Ian Lenagan in late 2023 and who better to take over from Lenagan than a billionaire. The Wigan-born business giant is the founder of a major data analytics and consultancy business.
