Province pull rank on Euro Cup match
15 Nov 2011
Newlands and not the Cape Town Stadium will host the European Cup match between Saracens and Biarritz.
Ticket sales have already started for the match on 14th January, with the designated venue being the modern 60 000-setter stadium in Greenpoint, Cape Town. The fixture was widely expected to sell out, with locals and foreign visitors (it is the height of the tourist season) expected to file in for the unique event.
However, the Western Province Rugby Union have intervened and successfully challenged for the hosting rights. This continues an alarming drought of high-profile sporting fixtures for the stadium, which is increasingly becoming a serious financial burden for the city.
WP pointed to the South African Rugby Union constitution’s ruling that the the final decision regarding the match venue lies in the hands of the host union. WP and not Saracens are deemed to be the hosts.
In a statement WP said: ‘ After a recent meeting by the Western Province Rugby Football Union Executive Committee, the request by Saracens to host the match at Cape Town Stadium was considered. However, the Executive Committee decided that the home of rugby, Newlands, would stage this historic match.
‘According to the South African Rugby Union Constitution the final decision regarding the match venue lies in the hands of the host union. The WPRFU Executive Committee unanimously agreed that Newlands is currently the home of rugby in the Western Province, and will be treated as such for the foreseeable future. The Western Province Rugby Football Union embraces such a historic match which will form part of the busy 2012 Super Rugby and Test Match schedule at Newlands.’
Meanwhile Saracens issued a carefully worded statement that read: ‘Saracens has noted today’s statement by the Western Province Rugby Union. We are delighted that two world class venues in Cape Town both want to stage the historic Heineken Cup match between Saracens and Biarritz on Saturday January 14. We will now continue detailed discussions with all parties.’
WP also moved to end the ongoing speculation about a potential move to the Cape Town Stadium. ‘There is currently no intention to move WP Rugby to the Cape Town stadium,’ they said.
195 Comments
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15 Nov 2011, 14:16 pm
@David(David)-45:
um er because the game has nothing to do with them?
15 Nov 2011, 14:17 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-47: Miskien moet iemand dit vir Griffiths sê. Dan kan Boland ook sommer `n paar rand maak.
15 Nov 2011, 14:18 pm
@Puma(Puma)-44:
FIFA had their rules on how to build the stadium but that did Sutcliffe and his boofs should have consulted with the KZNRU as well.
The KZNRU’s demands on the design of the stadium(suites etc) werent outside the conditions and rules laid down by FIFA.
15 Nov 2011, 14:18 pm
@DG(DG)-52:
Vir daardie spesifieke warm-up match was Boland die ‘host unie’, City of CT het toe na hulle gegaan en aangebied hulle host dit in die CT Stadium wat hulle aanvaar het en toe ook natuurlik gedoen het.
Dit is n opsie.
15 Nov 2011, 14:22 pm
I saw one of the SWC games in Green Point and it was truly spectacular. Not only from a visual and spectator point of view, but also the logic and ease with which you move in and around the stadium. The massive open space around the stadium is so much better than Newlands with its awkward road and rail crossings. And the fact that you pass through gates well away from the stadium and can then enter and exit the stadium itself through many big openings removes that whole claustrophobia vibe and any possibility of a crowd crush. It’s the way all modern stadiums should flow.
15 Nov 2011, 14:25 pm
We should also demand to play one of our ‘club’ games at Wembley.
Maybe Diggers vs Despatch?
15 Nov 2011, 14:26 pm
Besides newlands smells of onions and urine.
15 Nov 2011, 14:27 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-55:
Agree. Cpt Stadium is a marvel!
WP should move there asap.
Same with Lions who should move to Orlando Stadium.
I doubt whether the Sharks can fill that white elephant that makes Kings Park look like the pancake stall.
15 Nov 2011, 14:27 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-57:
onions?
15 Nov 2011, 14:30 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-50:
That’s the whole point. WPRU are the governing body in the WC. Can you imagine if say, the ABs and SA negotiated with Wembley stadium to hold a 3N test match there without asking the English Rugby Board. Essentially, the Euro Cup is a direct competitor to the WPRU when it comes to attracting paying supporters.
15 Nov 2011, 14:32 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-51:
Off course it has. It’s promoting a different tournament in their own backyard.
15 Nov 2011, 14:34 pm
@David(David)-60:
well that’s already happened.
sharks vs last year?
did they have to ask any local clubs for permission?
15 Nov 2011, 14:37 pm
@David(David)-60:
SA Rugby was consulted and approved it.
SA Rugby as part of SANZAR stands to lose by ‘promoting a different or competing tournament’ not WP Rugby or the Stormers.
The fact that it is a rule in SA Rugby’s constitution for the ‘host’ union to sign off such a match is not in question – the fact that its a daft rule is.
In fact, by denying CT Stadium to host a potential harmful product (competition) they should be against hosting the match altogether, not move it to Newlands to make a quick buck on something they had nothing to do with organising in the first place.
The only information I can get my hands on suggests WP Rugby had nothing to do in organising this – which in my view, makes their decision to force it to go to Newlands pathetic on all counts.
15 Nov 2011, 14:37 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-57:
And Green Point stadium smells of snoek, diesel and papsak when the “recreational” fishers land their catches at the nearby Oceana Power boat club.
15 Nov 2011, 14:39 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-53: They should have but never.
Think Fifa wanted a ‘bowl shape’ like most soccer stadiums are in Europe. Well most of the new bigger stadiums. Think I read Hoskins wanted a square shape and wanted the 400 suites. Nothing came of it. So without the 400 suites doubt we will ever move over unless they can make room for it in MB. Think there are only 135 suites there.
It is a beautiful stadium and the facilities world class compared to KP. I would hope in the future we can move over. Plenty parking there too. Well we park there now. Parking space is big enough for the braais too. So we won’t lose that part..lol. Just doubt they will move over.
15 Nov 2011, 14:40 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-64:
That is not snoek you’re smelling.
It’s the hookers on the mile
15 Nov 2011, 14:40 pm
WTF are WP playing at?
Prats…Pricks and wallys of the highest order…..
Cant believe this….truly a diabolical call…..what a fark up…
15 Nov 2011, 14:43 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-64:
the delicate fragrance of green point douche you mean?
eau de cape town
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-63:
exaclty.
they should just move it back to london.
15 Nov 2011, 14:43 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-62:
I would assume so.
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-63:
I’m not saying I agree, but I can see their logic in wanting part of the revenue. Remember, this is Johan Rupert they’re dealing with, and he’s never had any scruples in poaching our players to build Sarries as an SA side in exile.
I seem to remember him saying that Sarries would be a good experience for young SA players, who would return better for the experience. So far, the only young one he signed is in the England Saxon squad.
15 Nov 2011, 14:45 pm
@David(David)-69:
All I see is ego at work David – not this ‘for our loyal fans’ bullshit they printed in their media release.
I would seriously phone up Boland if I was Rupert and give WP the biggest toffee they would hope to see.
15 Nov 2011, 14:49 pm
@David(David)-69:
Poppycock.
what english clubs got part of the revenue from the sharks crusaders game?
whiich ones gave permission?
15 Nov 2011, 14:52 pm
The simple, trivial things became complicated here, so consider this:
Soccer and rugby are different games
The crowd watching soccer is different than the crowd watching rugby
Thus, the logical deduction is that the two games do not necessarily use the same stadium because of their different needs and different pay crowds.
Also, rugby is thriving on tradition and herritage, the average distance to the pitch etc, for soccer its merely a case of the bigger the better
Have you ever been to the Maracna in Rio ?
The decision where to play is the prerogative of the Rugby Unions and theirs alone
15 Nov 2011, 14:56 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-71:
It was Twickenham, wasn’t it?
15 Nov 2011, 14:58 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-70:
Ego, possibly, but also the chance to rent out Newlands, which is pure business.
15 Nov 2011, 14:58 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-55: Agreed it feels so feels so much roomier than Newlands. You will a different type of supporter coming to green point than the bunch that go to Newlands. I have no doubt tha if Stormers play well, CT stadium will be filled every week. Parking is also so much easier.
15 Nov 2011, 15:02 pm
@David(David)-73:
so which clubs got the money?
none the RFU got the money.
the clubs in the area didn’t insist the game was held at their grounds.
like pissant said it may be in the saru constitution but its bullshit and you know it.
wp did nothing to organise the game.
rupert should take the game to the kings or boland and tell wp to get knotted.
15 Nov 2011, 15:03 pm
Anyone know whether the Biaritz vs Saracens game will be included in Newlands season tickets?
15 Nov 2011, 15:03 pm
in fact the city of cape town should take the gloves off and start losing wp’s liquor license applications.
relook at their rates as well.
15 Nov 2011, 15:05 pm
newlands vs Cape Town Stadium?
Fark me….
FERRARI VS GUNTHERS KIA PICANTO
AND NEWLANDS IS THE PICANTO
15 Nov 2011, 15:07 pm
@David(David)-74:
If it was their game to rent out by all means – it is not.
15 Nov 2011, 15:07 pm
@grant10(grant10)-79:
pipe down poepbroek
the grownups are talking.
go take justfelching for a walk.
15 Nov 2011, 15:07 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-76:
The RFU own Twickenham. SARU don’t own a stadium. Only the WPRU does in the WC. To my mind, SARU screwed up by agreeing to GreenPoint, without first clearing it with the WPRU. Apart from the constitutional issue, it is just plain courtesy to consult the host union.
15 Nov 2011, 15:10 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-78: Yep, that would be appropriate strong-arm tactics. Maybe a bit of “we’ve had complaints from the neighbours – turn it down or we end the party”, plus some checks on music licensing fees for the rubbish they play during breaks. Many ways to skin this one.
15 Nov 2011, 15:13 pm
@David(David)-82:
I disagree.
It goes to the core of what is wrong with rugby in this country.
The RFU DON’T have to consult the local stakeholders to allow a rugby match in the country.
Why should WP be allowed to take over a game they played no role on arranging?
like I said uncle johann should tell Province to get knotted.
15 Nov 2011, 15:13 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-81: FARKIT….WE JUST FINISHED AN HOUR IN THE GYM……i COULDNT WALK ANOTHER STEP EVEN IF I TRIED!
Fark…sorry caps
15 Nov 2011, 15:14 pm
@David(David)-82:
SA Rugby did not need to consult any union, their constitution provides for unions to take charge of the situation once approved.
If anything, Sarries had to negotiate with WP but clearly decided they wanted to play in CT Stadium.
WP in turn pulled rank and cited their constitutional right to have final say on the matter. Of course they are allowed to, its written in the constitution – the fact however that they can earn a quick buck based on a daft rule not being party to any planning or organising of such an event leaves one with a very sour taste.
Again not questioning the rule, questioning WP’s integrity and motives.
BTW, if they HAVE been involved in making this a reality, I will happily eat my words.
15 Nov 2011, 15:16 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-83:
I can see all of that.
traffic issues.
noise levels and refuse.
and the kicker will be a re-assessment of their rate valuation.
they will be forced to sell elstadt and elizabeth to the bulls.
habana will be offloaded to SWD.
jean de villiers will see out his career playing clun rugby in the falkland islands.
15 Nov 2011, 15:19 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-87: Or, even better, just ticket the hell out of each and every car that is parked illegally – even if only half an inch of the wheel is touching the line. If you want people to vote with their feet, then get the traffic department involved.
15 Nov 2011, 15:19 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-86:
All comes down to my very first post on the matter – WP is seemingly making enemies they should not be making – all for a quick buck.
15 Nov 2011, 15:19 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-84: Uncle Johann is already pissed off with WPRFU regarding the WP Performance Institute. Spent all his money on it and now they want to run the show.
15 Nov 2011, 15:20 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-76:
he may do just that…
our johan is not someone who likes to be told what to do…
watch this space…!
15 Nov 2011, 15:20 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-83:
Those long suffering neighbours’ complaints re fans pissing in their gardens, stealing their post boxes and molesting their pets have fallen on death ears for a long time. It will be a bit rich if they start listening to them now.
@Gunther(gunther)-78:
Thats a bit subtle- pity the Russian is dead, otherwise they could have asked him to go and have a quiet word with uncle Tobie.
15 Nov 2011, 15:21 pm
If WP Rugby “currently no intention to move WP Rugby to the Cape Town stadium” Perhaps it is about time they actually started to do some much needed maintenance on the stadium.. And not just their private suite’s and offices.
They could start by looking at the queues of ladies who have to do with the bare minimum toilet facilities. And perhaps those old wooden seats on the railway stand that have not seen a coat of paint for 20 years could be replaced with something with a few less splinters in them…
15 Nov 2011, 15:24 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-92: But that’s the point. It fell on deaf City ears. But the City can suddenly decide to listen, and to start acting on all complaints. If it wants to push WP out of Newlands, it can make life very uncomfortable in the shadow of the mountain.
15 Nov 2011, 15:25 pm
@gretep(gretep)-93:
they could start by upgrading and improving and enlarging the pathetic ‘big’ screen…
fark me that thing is useless…!!
15 Nov 2011, 15:25 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-84:
There are no provincial or county unions in the UK. Only clubs, who have their own grounds. Twickenham is owned by the RFU and doesn’t fall under the auspices of any club, so I don’t see what your argument is based on.
15 Nov 2011, 15:26 pm
wp rugby is a joke….amateyr hour 24….7…
P Grant doing his own Japanese thing……Joe Pietersen farksoff to Fran=ce for 18months….sommer because he feels like taking his model wife over for more assignment prospects……losing Sadie,JJ ,LIONEL….F Louw, et al ….head over foot amateurs……
Now this….
fark me ””its been a long decade I tell you
15 Nov 2011, 15:29 pm
i agree with keos tweet
15 Nov 2011, 15:31 pm
@ufo(ufo)-95: That big screen is shared between cricket and rugby. Can you believe it.
15 Nov 2011, 15:34 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-99:
yeah.. pathetic…
calling it a big screen is more than it deserves…
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