The Seattle Seawolves confirmed that the Canterbury Crusaders have purchased a stake in the Major League Rugby team.

The New Zealand-based Crusaders Super Rugby team bought a minority interest in the Seawolves, who will open up their Major League Rugby season April 22 at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, WA, just south of Seattle.

“It’s my absolute pleasure to bring a small group of four investors from rugby in New Zealand to play a part in the exciting journey that will be the Seattle Seawolves,” said Warren Goddard, managing director of FHG Ltd. “My company has been involved in the professional sports rights industry for over 20 years and I’m looking forward to the adventure alongside a high-quality group of investors and in a city that I love."

Canterbury Rugby CEO Nathan Godfrey added: “As the oldest rugby organization in New Zealand we are excited to have secured a small stake in the future of professional rugby in the U.S. We look forward to sharing our expertise of developing some of the world’s best rugby players with the Seawolves.” 

The Crusaders are eight-time Super Rugby champions and have appeared in the Super Rugby final a record 12 times.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to have the winning tradition of the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby joining our ownership team,” Seawolves co-owner Shane Skinner said. “They are world-class sports organizations and this partnership underscores the potential of professional rugby in America."