Sir James Dyson joins Bruce Craig as equal partner in Bath Rugby

Published: 18 March 2026

Bath Rugby announced that Sir James Dyson has acquired a 50 per cent ownership stake in the group comprising Bath Rugby, Arena 1865, the club’s stadium development company, and the Farleigh training facilities.

Sir James Dyson will commit substantial new capital to the group to reduce existing debt and support the development of the club’s new stadium.

The transaction establishes a long term 50:50 partnership between Sir James Dyson and Bruce Craig, who will continue to run Bath Rugby and lead the club’s next phase of development on and off the field.

Since acquiring the club in 2009, Craig has guided Bath Rugby through the pandemic, its financial aftermath and the wider volatility of the professional game while rebuilding the club into one of rugby’s elite sides. The recent historic treble, ending a 29 year wait for a league title, marked the culmination of that work.

Both owners are proud that Bath Rugby’s team is led by Johann van Graan, with one of the most exciting and talented groups of players in the game captained by Ben Spencer, and with Tarquin McDonald as Chief Executive.

Sir James Dyson, who has supported Bath Rugby for more than 45 years, said:

“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. 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 who are the most dedicated in the land.”
Bruce Craig said the partnership represented continuity and alignment:

“This has never been a short term project. From the beginning the aim has been to build something resilient, competitive and worthy of the club’s history.

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.”

FAQs

James Dyson is known for his vacuum cleaners, hair dryers and other technology. Why is he now investing in Premiership rugby?

James has been a Bath spectator and supporter since the early 1980s, when he'd stand on the grass verges of the Rec to watch the games on Saturday afternoons, rain or shine. His family are now supporters too and he has loved attending matches with his children and grandchildren.

Dyson has also sponsored Bath Rugby for many years.

What does the investment mean for the club?

James will own half the club, making it almost debt free to put it on stable financial footing. The increased investment will also support plans for a new stadium with increased capacity.

What will the co-ownership mean for the club?

James has no intention of changing anything and remains a supporter. Bruce and the team will continue leading the club, while James will provide financial support.

Press contacts

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