OCTAGON TO ABSORB PROSPORT RUGBY

Tom Negri Joins Octagon as Head of Octagon Rugby

Johannesburg, South Africa – June 1, 2023 – Octagon today announced a major expansion of its rugby business, following the acquisition of Prosport International’s rugby division.  With the agreement, prominent rugby agent Tom Negri was named Head of Octagon Rugby, and Prosport’s rugby clients will join Octagon.

Highlighted by Italian National Team stars Sebastian Negri and Simone Ferrari, more than 20 Prosport Rugby clients from national team members, to URC players, to up and coming names across the world’s leading rugby academies, will now be represented by Octagon.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom and these incredibly talented athletes to the Octagon family,” said Franco Barocas, Managing Director of Octagon Rugby & Cricket. “We appreciate their belief in us and our global approach to this important sport, as it continues to gain traction around the world.”

“Prosport is pleased to announce that our rugby division has been acquired by Octagon, marking a new chapter in both our journeys,” said Mike Makaab, CEO, Prosport International. “Tom Negri’s unwavering dedication and hard work have been instrumental in the growth of Prosport’s rugby division over the past decade. As we acknowledge this transition, we extend our sincere appreciation to Tom, and wish both him and Octagon the very best in this powerful combination.”

Barocas and Clifford Bloxham, SVP & Head of Octagon UK Talent and Properties, will lead the worldwide integration of Octagon’s expanded presence in rugby. Octagon Rugby’s pre-existing client roster features superstars and England National Rugby Team Flankers Tom Curry and Ben Curry.

ABOUT OCTAGON: Octagon is the preeminent talent management, integrated marketing, and creative agency in global sports and entertainment. The agency represents more than 900 of the most prominent and influential athletes, talent, and properties in the world, and creates distinctive marketing campaigns for some of the largest brands and Fortune 500 companies across the globe.

For more than 40 years, Octagon has consistently pushed the boundaries of the industry with ground-breaking marketing campaigns, experiential and hospitality services, industry-leading data, insight, and strategy capabilities, as well as an unmatched talent management portfolio of the most high-profile and successful athletes and personalities.

ABOUT PROSPORT INTERNATIONAL: Founded in 2001, Prosport International is a reputable, global sports management organisation providing a three sixty-degree service to the sports industry, its participants, and stakeholders. With offices throughout Africa and Europe, its pedigreed client managers, branding, event and support service teams provide a complete bouquet of professional services.

–OCTAGON–