Member Article

Former Doncaster RLFC Shane Miller’s X Blades sports firm secures finance from Reward Capital

Doncaster-based X Blades UK, the major sports brand worn by leading rugby league and union stars, is set for further growth after securing finance from Reward Capital.

The Australian label is run in the UK and Ireland by former Doncaster RLFC owner Shane Miller from a distribution base in the South Yorkshire town.

Star players who wear X Blades boots include rugby union internationals Richard Hibbard and Dylan Hartley, while rugby league stars Kevin Sinfield, Sam Tomkins and Josh Charnley also have agreements with the company. Prince Harry has also been spotted doning a pair.

Jason Robinson, the dual code international rugby legend, is a director of the company.

X Blades, established in 1989 who has headquarters in Sydney, manufactures sportswear including footwear, protection, sports apparel and leisurewear. It was the first brand to develop a bladed outsole, now a staple of sports boots across the world.

Leeds-based Reward Capital has provided X Blades UK with cash flow funding and invoice finance facilities to help it acquire stock to meet demand.

The funding is also being used to accelerate X Blade UK’s growth strategy.

James Mortimore, business development director at Reward Capital, said X Blades UK was a growing brand within the sports industry.

Mr Mortimore said: “X Blades UK’s products are worn by many leading sportsmen and the brand has tremendous growth opportunities.

“It has exciting plans to expand its product range and also win more contracts with large UK sports distributors and Reward’s support will help to achieve these aims.”

Mr Miller added: “Reward’s support is already proving invaluable as we accelerate our plans to continue to be recognised as one of the leading sportswear brands in the UK and Ireland.

“We required help to allow us to acquire new stock and this financial assistance is proving crucial to achieving that.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .