Still no clarity on Kings saga
22 May 2012
Monday’s meeting between Saru and South Africa’s franchises resulted in a ‘number of options’ for Super Rugby participation in 2013.
Saru, though, has not revealed what those options are.
With Sanzar refusing to expand Super Rugby to include 16 teams, and six from South Africa, Saru either have to relegate a team for the Kings (most probably the Lions, who are currently last on the Super Rugby log) or merge two of the current franchises (most probably the Lions and Cheetahs, who played as the Cats from 1998 to 2005).
‘It was a very positive meeting and we now have a number of options for participation on which the franchises are agreed,’ said Saru CEO Jurie Roux in a press statement. ‘Those options will go to the Exco [Executive Council] for consideration and ultimately to the General Council for a decision.’
The next meeting of the Saru General Council is scheduled to take place on 13 July.
Meanwhile, Lions president Kevin de Klerk sounded confident about the Johannesburg franchise’s chances of remaining in Super Rugby next year following Monday’s proceedings.
‘We have listed a few possible solutions. From a Lions’ point of view, things are looking good and we remain positive,’ De Klerk told keo.co.za. ‘There will probably be another two to three meetings with all parties before the General Council meeting.’
De Klerk also dismissed recent reports that said the Lions would be automatically relegated if they do not settle outstanding payments owed to franchise partners, the Leopards and Pumas. According to the New Age last week, broadcast revenue payments are to be withheld from the Lions and payments of R750 000 each must be made to both unions. This was supposed to be settled last February.
‘Those reports are not true. The case will go to arbitration to be settled, but it will have no impact on the Lions’ Super Rugby participation,’ said De Klerk.
By Simon Borchardt and Gareth Duncan
109 Comments
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23 May 2012, 09:30 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-97:
23 May 2012, 09:30 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food(The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food)-97: People in Durban are ubber laid back, and like braaing at home with friends The Sharks are trying to overcome this and have been conducting surveys to see how they can lure Durbanites who, unlike Pretorians, have the embarrassment of the choice of what to do on any given Saturday, to the game.
But most damaging is that in KZN the schools are actually organising their big 1st team clashes starting between 15:00 and 16:00, by the time our sons are finished either playing or watching (compulsory) then its too late to make a 17:00 kick off at Kings Park. I have not missed a single home game in 3 seasons until this year my son started at Maritzburg College, and the last home game I could not attend as by the time the U15 played their game at Michael House it was 15:30, no way would we have made it from Nottingham Road to Durban in time for Kick off!
23 May 2012, 09:41 am
You know, when a Capetonian gets his knickers in a knot over the best stadium in the southern hemisphere, you just know that we’re doing something right.
It must be kinda stressful to go to your own stadium and sit next to a bunch of fine fellows that boo your own team and support the opposition. Aich..that doesn’t happen at the best stadium in the southern hemisphere.
23 May 2012, 09:43 am
@Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-102: I asked you a simple YES or NO question. I also stated: No excuses, No essays. Just a YES or a NO. I guess your 500 words = NO.
PS: Capetonians have similar issues to Durbanites – yet we manage.
23 May 2012, 09:47 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-103: I am sure it doesn’t happen at your stadium – agree with you there. As unlike Newlands, when one plonks ones butt down on a seat at your stadium – there ISN’T anyone next to you, or behind you, or in front of you………
23 May 2012, 09:51 am
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-103: you’re right, Sharks fans boo their own players, they don’t need “capecrusaders”
23 May 2012, 09:59 am
@EP Till I Die(Transformation)-106:
Really? I didn’t know that. Is this a fact or made up? I’m stating a well known and documented fact.
23 May 2012, 10:03 am
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-88:
Pissant unfortunately there cannot be a fair solution to this. At the end of the day someone will benefit and someone will lose out. We can try and think as clear and unemotional as we want but the result will not go down well with thousands of people. This is the reality of it and the situation that SARU has led SA rugby into. Rugby cannot win and will not win , only the rugby administrators whose pockets will be lined for years to come.
I find it very interesting though that the Lions Ceo says that while the Kings will def play in next years comp it will not come at the expense of any other SA team. No solution caters for such a scenario except where they expand the comp ? I can only think that he is refering to the monetary losses that the lions face next season should they lose out. In such a case maybe the money they owe Gumde and co will be settled ? Or they would get some sort of compensation ? I dont see how this benefits the fans though.
23 May 2012, 11:01 am
@sparticus(sparticus)-108:
They can try.
http://www.ruggaworld.com/2012/05/23/a-super-solution/
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