Rugby-NZR still hopeful on Silver Lake deal, eyes other revenue opportunities

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Championship - Argentina Pumas v New Zealand All Blacks - Jose Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina - September 30, 2017 - New Zealand's captain Kieran Reid lifts up the trophy after they won The Rugby Championship. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

(Reuters) - New Zealand Rugby (NZR) still hopes to complete its proposed deal with U.S. private equity firm Silver Lake but will also aim to ramp up revenues from other investment opportunities, chief executive Mark Robinson said on Thursday.

In April, 26 constituent provincial rugby unions approved the sale of a 12.5% stake in NZR's commercial arm, including rights to the All Blacks, to Silver Lake in a deal worth NZ$387.5 million ($261.91 million).