Rugby Players Lose Millions After R1.9 Billion Deal Collapses — 5 Years Later, They Want Answers
- A proposed R1.9 billion French rugby deal has taken an unexpected turn, with players still waiting for answers years after money was handed over
- What began as an opportunity linked to one of France’s historic rugby clubs has left several players facing difficult questions about their investments
- A former Springbok and a prominent rugby agent have now responded to claims surrounding the failed deal and the money players put into it
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Several South African rugby players are reportedly out millions of rands after a proposed takeover of French club Béziers failed to materialise. The investment opportunity was presented in 2021 as a way of helping unlock a €100 million loan, worth about R1.87 billion at the exchange rate then.
The allegations were detailed in an investigation published by IOL on 20 September 2026. The report examined bank records, agreements, company documents, correspondence and recordings connected to the proposed deal.
Rugby players promised major returns
One former Sharks hooker told the publication he paid €120,000, about R2.24 million, after taking part in a Zoom meeting arranged by his agent, Anthony Johnson, which former Springbok scrumhalf Johan Roux also attended.
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Under the agreement, the player was promised his €120,000 (about R2.2 million) back within 30 days, plus €80,000 (about R1.5 million) in interest. In other words, he stood to receive €200,000 — representing a 66% return on his money in just 30 days.
The player told IOL:
“Anthony set up the Zoom meeting and Johan joined after. Anthony asked me to pay the money, and Johan was behind it.”
He said the promised repayment never arrived and that he later filed a criminal complaint with Polish police.
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Johan Roux and Anthony Johnson respond
Roux said the players’ funds were intended to serve as collateral to unlock the larger financing arrangement.
“To access loans, you need collateral, right?” Roux told IOL. “So this money went to activate the collateral so we can get the loan.”
Johnson, meanwhile, maintained that he had also put his own money into the venture.
“I’m personally invested in this thing and I’m in the same position as [the Sharks hooker] and the other guys,” he said.
Former Bulls coach Rudy Joubert also said he incurred about R500,000 in travel and legal expenses while working on the proposed takeover, but denied involvement in the financial transactions.
The planned acquisition of Béziers eventually fell through. According to IOL, at least one player’s funds were deposited into a personal bank account in Poland linked to Antonino Pane, who presented himself as the chief executive of Eurokredit Merchant Bank. Polish authorities have since launched a criminal investigation.
Roux, Johnson and Joubert told IOL that they had not been approached by investigators and said they were unaware that a criminal case had been opened.
The latest revelations have added another layer to the failed investment, particularly around how the players’ money was handled, where it went, and whether investors will ever be able to recover their funds.
Springboks and Wallabies set for Perth Test
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks are preparing to return to Test action against Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 11:30am South African time, giving local supporters a late-morning rugby start as Rassie Erasmus' side prepares for another demanding international challenge.
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Source: Briefly News
