Sport

Sport

Overview

We have a formidable reputation as one of the UK’s leading law firms operating in the sport sector. For more than 25 years we have represented governing bodies, clubs, athletes, and venues/stadiums on a vast range of matters.

In addition to providing legal advice to our clients, our partners also occupy some of the most important non-executive positions in Welsh sport and are at the forefront of major sporting developments.

Senior experts

Examples of some of our most significant work includes:

Advising our longstanding client, the Welsh Rugby Union, on a vast range of projects such as the construction of the iconic Principality Stadium, its landmark agreements with the Welsh professional rugby teams, joint ventures with Compass Group and Rightacres Property.
Advising the British Boxing Board of Control on numerous regulatory matters and disputes with world-renowned fighters and leading boxing promoters.
Advising the Celtic Manor Resort on its hosting of the Ryder Cup and Welsh Government.
Advising numerous former international rugby players on their personal injury insurance claims following forced early retirement.
Advising Olympians on contractual disputes.
Advising professional golfers in relation to contractual agreements and business ventures.

Our work

The range of our work spans a variety of legal disciplines and areas of specialisms including:

Commercial contracts including sponsorship and broadcasting;
Image rights;
Joint ventures;
Sports governance;
Commercial and sponsorship rights and agreements;
Disciplinary and regulatory hearings;
Property;
Construction (particularly stadium construction);
Merchandising and licensing;
Ambush marketing; and
Funding.

Case studies

Advising the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) on an agreement which sees it take ownership and operational control of the Dragons, the professional rugby union team for the Gwent Region.

Advising long standing client, the Walters group, on the sale of Ffos Las racecourse to Arena Racing Company (ARC).

Advising its long standing client the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) on a joint venture with Rightacres Properties and Legal & General which will transform two of Cardiff’s most iconic buildings

“This is a significant agreement for Welsh rugby and will enable a new vision for a sustainable Dragons both on and off the pitch to be implemented. I was pleased to be able to work with Hugh James supporting us on this project and I am grateful to the team at Hugh James who were involved for their advice in reaching a constructive outcome.”

Rhodri Lewis, Head of Legal Affairs, Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)

Related services

Professional regulation

Business news, knowledge and insight

14 June 2019 Hugh James named Property Law Firm of the Year at the Insider Property Awards 2019

01 January 2019 Alun Jones appointed chairman of Cardiff Blues

04 July 2018 BBC Sport reports on former senior partner Gareth Williams' appointment to Chairman of Glamorgan Cricket

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