Former Bradford Bulls owner Andrew Chalmers is set to lead Christchurch’s Orcas bid to join the NRL as managing director.
The ambitious bid, valued at $360 million, includes a substantial license fee and promises rapid team development if accepted by the NRL, according to The Times.
The Orcas plan to host home games at Christchurch’s new 30,000-seat Te Kaha stadium and will bring matches to other stadiums across New Zealand. A consortium headed by rugby league legend Graham Lowe, backed by a South Island-based private equity group with $60 million in capital, will fund the bid.
Chalmers, who previously chaired the New Zealand Rugby League and owned Bradford Bulls in England, believes the bid will benefit the sport’s growth. “This bid brings new markets, revenue, and fans to rugby league. We’re fully funded and ready to make significant infrastructure investments. We have the stadium, world-class facilities, and a strong team on standby—now we just need the NRL’s green light,” Chalmers told The Times.
The bid team includes key figures such as former NRL CFO Ed Farish, ex-Gold Coast Titans CEO Michael Searle, former New Zealand player Phil Bergman, and past Canterbury Rugby League chairman Simon Doig.
Lowe is confident that the Orcas can be competitive right from the start, saying, “We expect to challenge top teams from day one. Christchurch is a city that loves sport and winners, and we’re sure fans will support the Orcas, making Te Kaha a tough venue for opponents.”
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