A failed attempt to purchase French rugby club Béziers has resulted in a criminal complaint filed with police in Poland after investors lost hundreds of thousands of euros. According to an investigation published by IOL, former Springbok scrum-half Johan Roux and rugby agent Anthony Johnson pitched the deal to professional players, claiming upfront funds were required to unlock a €100m loan.
The Béziers Takeover Pitch and Zoom Meetings
According to a recorded Zoom meeting reviewed by IOL, Roux and Johnson approached a former Sharks hooker in October 2021 to secure immediate financial backing. Roux stated during the meeting that he represented Eurokredit Merchant Bank, an entity operating in Italy and Poland, telling the player, “Now we are short of 120k, and we need you to transfer tomorrow.”
The agreement promised the player a return of €80,000 in interest on top of his €120,000 principal within 30 days—a 66% return in a single month. The hooker signed the contract on October 28, 2021, and transferred the funds the following morning across 12 separate transactions of €10,000 each. The payments were directed to an account held by Italian national Antonino Pane at Alior Bank in Warsaw, Poland, under the label “pret,” the French word for loan. Pane describes himself as the chief executive of Eurokredit Merchant Bank.
Did you know? The agreement signed by the player included a provision for at least €1m in insurance cover from a company named “Heuler Hermes,” though records show no company by that exact name exists, matching instead the trade credit insurer Euler Hermes (now Allianz Trade).
Where Did the Money Go? Diverted Funds and Broken Promises
Rather than purchasing the rugby club, the transferred funds ended up in Pane’s personal bank account in Poland. According to Roux’s statements to IOL, the players’ money was never intended to buy the club directly, but rather to act as collateral to “activate” a much larger €100m loan intended for Global Sport Capital, a company run by Roux. When asked what the collateral was and who held it, Roux refused to disclose the details to IOL, stating, “I don’t think I need to tell you that.”
Between February and June 2022, Pane issued four letters forwarded by Roux, repeatedly delaying the promised repayments. The letters blamed various factors, including cautious American banks following geopolitical tensions, and pledged acquisitions involving sportswear groups. None of the transactions materialized, and no repayments were issued to the investors.
Pro Tip: When evaluating sports investments or private loan opportunities, verify all intermediary bank credentials independently through official regulatory registries rather than relying solely on promotional pitches or unverified merchant bank claims.
The Fallout for Players, Agents, and Management
The financial fallout has severely impacted those involved. The anonymous former Sharks hooker, having received no funds after five years, worked with lawyers to file a criminal complaint with Polish police. IOL confirmed that a case number has been issued. A second rugby player approached with a similar investment opportunity declined to go on the record, fearing it would jeopardize any chance of recovering lost funds. Both players described the arrangement as a potential “robbing Peter to pay Paul” scheme.
Both Roux and Johnson maintained to IOL that they were also victims of the failed transaction. Johnson, an agent accredited by the Rugby Football Union in England and a director of the SA Rugby Agents Association, stated that he lost approximately €100,000 of his own money and was in the same position as the players he introduced. Roux stated that the ordeal had cost him his marriage, though he declined to provide financial proof of his own investments.
Former Bulls coach Rudy Joubert, who was slated to become the club’s president under the takeover plan, told IOL that he flew to France at his own expense and met with the mayor of Béziers, spending about R500,000 on travel and legal costs. Joubert stated that he was never part of the financial transactions and had never met Pane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original goal of the investment scheme?
The investors were told their money would be used to acquire Béziers, a French second-division rugby club, by unlocking a €100m loan.
Where was the money actually sent?
According to bank records and investigative findings by IOL, funds were transferred into the personal bank account of Italian national Antonino Pane at Alior Bank in Warsaw, Poland.
What legal actions have been taken?
A criminal complaint has been filed with police in Poland by legal representatives of the affected rugby players. Local authorities and the individuals named are facing ongoing scrutiny regarding the unfulfilled transactions.
Who were the main figures involved in pitching the deal?
According to source reporting, the deal was promoted by rugby agent Anthony Johnson and former Springbok scrum-half Johan Roux, following initial introductions by former Bulls coach Rudy Joubert.
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