Kings in, Lions out
16 Aug 2012
Saru has confirmed that the Kings will play Super Rugby at the Lions’ expense in 2013.
This ends months of speculation about how the Kings – who were promised Super Rugby entry by Saru – would be accommodated in the tournament. After Saru’s hopes of getting a sixth franchise were dashed by Sanzar, the Lions, who finished last on the combined Super Rugby log this year, were always likely to make way for the Eastern Cape franchise.
The Lions will now have to settle for Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup rugby before getting a chance to get back into Super Rugby by playing a two-legged promotion-relegation tie against the team that finishes last in the SA conference next year.
‘All rugby provinces have been consistently in support of the need for an Eastern Cape team in the Super Rugby competition,’ said Saru president Oregan Hoskins. ‘That decision was first taken in 2005 but their inclusion has twice been postponed.
‘We made a commitment to the Kings to include them in 2013 and rugby has delivered on that commitment. The franchise represents more clubs than any other region – apart from the Stormers – and contains numerous leading rugby schools. It has been starved of top-class rugby competition for a decade and a half and now it has the chance to show what it can do.’
Hoskins said that Sanzar’s decision to grant the 15th franchise to Melbourne in 2011 – rather than the Kings – had created a dilemma for them. He said that the organisation and players had wanted a ‘rugby solution’ to accommodate six franchises in five places and this had been delivered, as challenging as it was for the relegated team.
‘The provinces asked for a rugby solution and we believe that this was the fairest and most transparent method to respond to what is undoubtedly a less than ideal situation,’ he said. ‘We also canvassed Super Rugby players before the start of the season, through the Players’ Association, and this was their preferred mechanism.’
Saru CEO Jurie Roux said that the decision to apply a promotion and relegation system from 2013 was standard practice in sport.
‘We operate promotion and relegation in all our Currie Cup competitions, with the bottom-placed team being relegated unless it wins a play-off,’ said Roux. ‘Our strategic goal is to have six strong franchises covering the whole of South Africa and this decision keeps all of them in play on an annual basis.’
342 Comments
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16 Aug 2012, 13:45 pm
bad news for me who loves going to ellis park and watching the international teams come over and play. i wont be going to loftus…..this is bullshit
16 Aug 2012, 13:45 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-47:
@goodstuff-49:
its a stitch up.
16 Aug 2012, 13:45 pm
Horrible decsion.
Is this the same **** who was the tv ump at headingley?
16 Aug 2012, 13:46 pm
Rod Tucker is a d00s …. he has a few pounds on this game…has 2 be … scum!
16 Aug 2012, 13:47 pm
@XhosaKid-46:
K@k deal?
They shouldn’t be there in the first place
But good luck anyway
16 Aug 2012, 13:47 pm
@John Galt-45:
Elton Jantjes has a condition in his contract that allows him to leave the Lions if they lose their superrugby status. Maybe the others have the same.
16 Aug 2012, 13:48 pm
@XhosaKid-46:
Yes because they have really paid their dues in the Currie Cup.
Oh wait, they havent even won anything in the VC.
Hoskins at fault here. Big bald pussie that oke.
16 Aug 2012, 13:49 pm
Hey Xhosakid – How can a team go from 1st division to Super Rugby? It’s unheard of….only an idiot like you would support something like this. Explain exactly how the Lions have been milking SANZAR? Lions are current CC champs..don’t forget that *******!
16 Aug 2012, 13:49 pm
An absolute disgrace. SARU is just an arm of the ANC. How can they claim this is a rugby decison? Like telling Pick n Pay to close up shop to give Spar a chance. The kings must earn their place which they certainly have not and dont deserve one once of support.
16 Aug 2012, 13:49 pm
@XhosaKid-46:
that’s it.
always moaning.
never good enough.
#theymusthaveit.
16 Aug 2012, 13:49 pm
@greegs-48: Why would promo/relegation happened first?, when you take into account the amount of money SANZAR has pumped into the Lions disaster?, amazed by “rugby people” who know fokkol about how the game works, you are a disgrace to the game.
16 Aug 2012, 13:50 pm
In J/burg a venerable old Keo Poster and Lions Fan lay dying in hospital. He was 93, and for years he had faithfully supported the Team he loved.
He knew his end was near, and he motioned for his nurse to come closer.
“Yes, RL?” said the nurse.
“I would really like to see Regan Hoskins and Cheeky Watson before I die,” whispered old RL (a.k.a. as Red Lion).
The hospital authorities sent the request to Cheech and Chong and waited for a response.
Soon word arrived: Hoskins and Cheech would be delighted to visit the aged Lion Man.
As they entered the hospital, followed by a media throng and cameras from all the TV networks, Hoskins commented to Watson, “I don’t know why this old prick wants to see us, but going to see him for a few minutes won’t hurt our image, It might even get me re-elected Chairman of the SARU. After all, I’m IN IT TO WIN IT”.
Cheeky agreed that it was a good thing, as he wanted to remain as Treasurer of the Kings, and play with our money like it was Monopoly or growing on a tree.
When they arrived at his room, the Old RL (god bless him) beamed and clasped Regan’s hand in his right hand and Cheech’s hand in his left.
There was silence and a look of serenity spread over the old RL’s wizened visage.
Finally Watson broke the silence.
“Red, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you want us to be with you as you near the end?”
Old RL slowly replied, “I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Saviour ***** ******.”
“Of course”, said Regan.
“Amen,” said Cheech.
“***** died between two lying thieves; I would like to do the same.” said the RL.
(Sorry if you have seen this post before0.
16 Aug 2012, 13:51 pm
@Atlas-55: Should the Lions be there?, based on what really, besides you misguided gut-feel.
16 Aug 2012, 13:51 pm
I’ll post it again
“Best for SA teams
Now we can put 70 to 80 points on the Queens twice
Bonus points and points for and against will help us for the play offs
Beat that O’Neil”
16 Aug 2012, 13:53 pm
@XhosaKid-46:
on the up side at least they’ll have a shot to get in the door every year.
or does promotion/relegation apply to the team on top of the cc table?
no, i suppose not. its probably just going to be a pool of 6 super rugby conteion franchises and theyll play amonst themselves to get the 5 spots available.
16 Aug 2012, 13:54 pm
lions franchise is going to suffer massive financial loss…no game days, no fans buying lions clothing etc…. sad really.
16 Aug 2012, 13:54 pm
@John Galt-57: In modern Super Rugby, which team had to qualify to play there or prove themselves in their provincial league, did the Brumbies?, did the Force? or did the Rebels qualify
16 Aug 2012, 13:54 pm
Thats bullshit.
Feel sorry for the Lions supporters really. I could not imagine if the Hurricanes were thrown out of Super 15 cos of a muck up that NZRU did.
For the record i enjoyed watching the Lions play. They were so inconsistent that they would go from horrible to playing excellent rugby with in a week.
I blame Mitchell, he is a good coach but people skills suck big time.
16 Aug 2012, 13:55 pm
@XhosaKid-63:
C’mon
They are not even in the CC
Solomons said they are buying players from overseas and local dudes
How, and how will that benefit EP?
16 Aug 2012, 13:55 pm
DAMNIT!
Cannot say this came as a surprise given the revolting smear campaign run by KEO and his buttlicking side kicks ( and other sections of the media). The Lions poor performance in this years tournament, horrendous injury list and coaching issues aside, made the political hatchet job easier.
Going forward, a year off, as opposed to the 3 years originally mooted, seems a compromise IF this is the basis of the system going forward (though i have NO doubt Cheeky and Puke will try another avenue if they get relegated next season) BUT which side in the CC gets to play against the lowest ranked S15 side?? CC winner may be there already so is it the hoghest NON S15 CC side? Could be Griquas next!!!!!! Laughable.
A lot will depend on how the contracts of the Lions players are constituted and handled. If they are mostly on long term contracts and are loaned out to other franchises ala the Euro Football model, then the Lions have a good chance of getting back in, in 2014, with their stars still exposed to S15. If NOT and there is a wholesale pillagin of the team as a result, Lions are gone for a looong time and frankly should sue SARU now for good measure…spineless bunch of political arse creepers that they are.
But credit to KEO et al, mission accomplished and Cheeky’s cheque in the mail no doubt. I will console myself supporting ANY other team that plays the QUEENS in the 2013 S15, and probably puts 70-80 points past them for good measure too. A team that cannot even make it to the Currie Cup has no business being “deployed” to top flight rugby, period
16 Aug 2012, 13:56 pm
@Atlas-69:
benefit LOCAL EP players
16 Aug 2012, 13:57 pm
Atlas … Stomers scoring more than 4 tries in a match? you must be joking boet
16 Aug 2012, 13:57 pm
@Hurricane-68:
no
he is not a good coach
16 Aug 2012, 13:57 pm
The Lions had numerous opportunities and they messed it up big time.Good riddance and welcome to the big league, Kings.
16 Aug 2012, 13:58 pm
Hang on.
Whats happens to the Lions players?
Do they still stay for CC? and can they move to another team in Super 15?
16 Aug 2012, 13:59 pm
@grant100-72:
Bwahahahahahahaha
16 Aug 2012, 13:59 pm
Good news.
The Lions Union needs to pull finger, maybe this will be the wakeup call they need. And let’s not mention the Currie Cup; the only time the Lions can win the CC is during a WC year (99 and 2011). The Boks were back for 2011, but they had just been booted out of the WC, and their heads were no where.
Do the Kings deserve to be there, maybe not. Do the Lions, maybe not.
The Lions have been rebuilding for 10 years now, something had to give.
The Kings can now lure good players, something they could have never done without Super Rugby status.
@XhosaKid-63:
I’m not sure the Kings should be given 5 years. Maybe 2. But to be honest, I think they’ll put together a good team. They’ll finish last of the SA sides but will beat the Lions in the promotion match anyway, so don’t stress.
16 Aug 2012, 14:00 pm
Oregan Hoskins, YOU’RE A LIAR. How many times did I read about you saying words to the effect of: “The Kings WILL NOT take part in Super Rugby at any of the existing franchises’ expense?”
If you had anything even remotely resembling a spine in your body you would resign.
Now.
16 Aug 2012, 14:00 pm
@Transformation-2: yitsho uphinda
16 Aug 2012, 14:00 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-73:
well when he had the ABs, we man handled Boks and Ozzies. His RWC was ruined by poor selections.
And his people skills as the reason why he was sacked in NZ is the main problem.
16 Aug 2012, 14:15 pm
@greegs-58: Which divisions did Western Force, Rebels and Brumbies win to qualify to play Super Rugby. Its not a trick question, your limited mind might just go into overdrive.
Just answer the question, please. An honest answer to this question will show how poor you have applied yourself to this matter.
16 Aug 2012, 14:15 pm
@XhosaKid-67:
Really? Weak Aussie sides? Thats your argument.
The very problem with Aus rugby is that they have so many weak sides in the comp.
Look, as I said, Im stoked the Kings are in. Guaranteed 5 points for the Sharks and the opportunity to rest and rotate players.
Only problem is, the other big unions will do the same thing.
16 Aug 2012, 14:16 pm
@gunther-60: Not a moan, just can see it a mile away when been suckered.
16 Aug 2012, 14:17 pm
@Lions_Soutie-17: i tip my hat to you good sir, your attitude is of a good South African, we should have 6 teams in SR instead of Aus with those 3 kak teams.
16 Aug 2012, 14:17 pm
I’m guessing all the names that I don’t recognise immediately on here are nic stealers / multinics.
Farken keyboard cowards!
16 Aug 2012, 14:18 pm
@XhosaKid-81:
Didnt it all go down hill when SARU promised the Kings they can play…thinking they would get 6 teams in the comp only to be told no way. Isnt this the outcome to SARU being useless?
I might have it wrong.
16 Aug 2012, 14:18 pm
@John Galt-82: Well all these weak Aussie sides, as you call them, finished above the Mighty Lions….
16 Aug 2012, 14:23 pm
@Atlas-69: The presence or absence of the Kings in the CC is a moot point. Simply, give the Kings all the SANZAR money that Lions has been receiving as part of SR participation, then lets have the CC debate in 2016, taking into account the Lions have been bathing in this money for over a decade.
In 2016, lets have the promo/relegation game, lets see how strong the Lions would be then, its the egg and chicken scenario.
16 Aug 2012, 14:27 pm
The important point that is being missed here, is that this affliction has only been dumped on SA Rugby for 1 year. After which it will be business as usual again.
16 Aug 2012, 14:27 pm
Simon,
There was talk that the Kings were guaranteed something like 3 years in Super Rugby, in which case the Lions would play the next lowest ranked SA side in a promotion relegation playoff (I’m assuming the Kings end last in this example).
Is this still the case?
16 Aug 2012, 14:28 pm
The lions won’t take this lying down, it has been a complete sham the whole affair. For the lions to lose out on all the players that they have invested in is a dam shame.
The Kings did say that they were in talks with players based abroad. Not sure who will leave there lucrative contracts to come play for them for only on year.
Any names spring to mind?
Brent Russel
Ernst Joubert
Brits
Joe Van Niekerk
If I was the lions I would loan the players out to European and Japanese clubs and give them a chance to make some money abroad and bring them back for the play-off’s to beat the kings back into the first division. I would keep some players locally but loan them to the Cheetahs, Sharks, Bulls, Stormers but not to the kings!!!!
16 Aug 2012, 14:28 pm
@Tacitus-89: Mr Woopaasss, I wouldn’t bet on it.
16 Aug 2012, 14:29 pm
oh ffs, same sh.t different year….if SARU had applied their mandate in 2005 the lions would’ve NEVER had 7 seasons of mediocrity, punctuatesd by losing ALL the games in 2010.
lions should’ve been goners in 05 already but nefarious broedebond kak saved them & some of the moaners now kept f.ucking quiet.
it is what it is!
16 Aug 2012, 14:31 pm
@Transformation-93:
You should be glad. The Kings now have their chance.
For what it’s worth.
16 Aug 2012, 14:31 pm
@Tacitus-89:
Not sure about that Tac.
The S15 is not a SA benefit match.
16 Aug 2012, 14:32 pm
@Hurricane-80: Howzit Hurricane, it’s a pity because he comes across as someone with a really good rugby brain. I can’t understand why he doesn’t change his people skills a bit, if he did he would be a seriously great coach
16 Aug 2012, 14:32 pm
@Tacitus-94:
What confuses me is why the EP Kings deserve it more than Border.
They not a regional franchise anymore, so purely on transformation stats – which is supposedly why the Kings deserve this freebie, Border trumps them.
16 Aug 2012, 14:32 pm
Are we going to see a mass exodus from Ellis Park?
16 Aug 2012, 14:33 pm
@kingcorn-91: Will they engage in violent service delivery protests?
16 Aug 2012, 14:34 pm
@Tacitus-97: Don’t try to be difficult now.
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