United States politician makes bid for NZ Warriors rugby league club

[josie andrews]

The up-for-sale Warriors are being pursued by a politician in the United States.

Richard Fale, a Republican member of the Hawaiian House of Representatives, is the chief executive officer of a syndicate which is interested in purchasing the NRL club.

The multi-million dollar group includes current and former NRL players, and their desire is to make the Warriors the first professional sporting organisation to be owned and run by those with Polynesian and Pacific heritage.

"Pretty much until now, Pacific Islanders have essentially been seen as great athletes and players on the field and nothing more beyond that," Fale told NZME.

"We perceive this as an opportunity to take that next step in the evolution of Pacific Islanders and sports, something that could move the needle for our communities."

Born in Utah but brought up in Tonga, Fale is now based in Hawaii and has family in Auckland. With the American sports franchises valued at prices in the billions, it's the rugby and rugby league market where his consortium have set their sights.

Last August Warriors owner Eric Watson confirmed he was negotiating to sell his 90 per cent stake in the club.

Having not been able to agree terms in their initial approach, Auckland Rugby League are thought to still be in with a chance of buying, under a new bid launched.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/101336067/.html