Telling fortnight for Lions
10 Oct 2012
Lions president Kevin de Klerk says Elton Jantjies and Jaco Taute’s loan deals, the team’s 2013 schedule and the John Mitchell hearing should be finalised over the next two weeks.
The major talking point is which franchises Springbok duo Jantjies and Taute will represent during Super Rugby next season.
Both players have received offers from all the major unions. It’s likely that Jantjies will make a move to Cape Town and join the Stormers, while Taute has confirmed to this site that he’s still overlooking all his options and stressed that there’s no possibility of joining the Kings. Taute has been in talks with the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.
‘We are currently holding meetings this week to discuss these deals,’ De Klerk told keo.co.za. ‘Right now, the players are focused on their Currie Cup duties. We hope to get everything confirmed as soon as possible.’
The deals are likely to be confirmed over the next fortnight.
De Klerk also confirmed that the Johannesburg union is close to settling on a fixed schedule for 2013.
The Lions have already agreed to host several clubs from Europe and will face two American teams during a tour to the USA. They are also set to face Fiji, Samoa or Tonga in June. These matches will be televised.
‘These plans are very exciting,’ said De Klerk. ‘We just need to get clearance from Saru and settle these fixtures with a broadcaster. The major thing is that all these games will be televised.’
Meanwhile, the disciplinary hearing with suspended head coach Mitchell is still ongoing. The matter has been postponed several times since June.
However, De Klerk said a settlement should be made by early next week.
‘Both parties have voiced their arguments to the chairman in charge. We should get a final decision on Friday or early next week.’
It’s believed that interim coach Johan Ackermann is set for a permanent post once Mitchell makes an exit.
By Gareth Duncan
80 Comments
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10 Oct 2012, 12:30 pm
Foster Kid Dragons!!!
10 Oct 2012, 12:36 pm
“…Taute…stressed there’s no possiblity of joining the Kings.”
Well done, Jaco!
Respect.
As regards Jantjies, I can only wonder if any overseas franchises have spoken to him?
Or would he be excluded on the grounds of being a current Springbok?
10 Oct 2012, 12:45 pm
Both will wear Blue
10 Oct 2012, 12:51 pm
Wow nicely done Kevin. Lining up 12 games! Not bad at all. The players will still get exposure and get crucial game time…No thanks to SARU!
I wonder to what extent the sponsors will contribute to these games… It doesnt sound like a tournament though…
10 Oct 2012, 13:04 pm
Regarding Graeme Joffe’s allegations that the Keo gang have a dodgy alliance/investment/commitment to the Kings gang, it seems he might be on to something. Especially when you consider the lack of news coverage done by this site regarding the Lions and their recent developments and journey forward after relegation.
Its always just shallow copy and paste coverage…
Wasnt or isnt it a big deal that SARU fuccked up big time and causing a club with over 100 years of history going down the way the Lions did…? Isnt it news worthy?
I smell a Keo rat…
10 Oct 2012, 13:08 pm
I am very curious about the Lions’ plans outside of Super rugby, but there’s no real news on the matter…why isnt there?
10 Oct 2012, 13:56 pm
This Lions Challenge sounds like a laugh. The team that beats the Lions by the most wins the challenge. But at least they are being creative.
Out of curiosity, did EP do anything similar, playing against foreign teams besides the BI Lions and the competition in Romania? A game vs NZ Maori could have been interesting.
10 Oct 2012, 14:10 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-2: Why are you congratulating Jaco for saying no to the Kings?, the Kings will be playing Super Rugby representing South Africa, just like the other franchises.
10 Oct 2012, 14:14 pm
@Jeez-4: Kevin is lying as usual, where is going to get the funding from to play these games, watch how all those game won’t materialize for one excuse after the other, right now Kevin is selling hot air, I’m seriously amazed that there are still people gullible enough to listen to anything Kevin says.
10 Oct 2012, 14:36 pm
@XhosaKid-8: I will try and keep it as simple as possible…
Because they have not earned the right to, that’s why. Until they can, at the very minimum, at least make it into SA’s “Premier” Division, they should not be allowed to further lower the standards of this prestigious southern hemisphere competition.
Five teams each is too much for Super Rugby, particularly where the Australians and South Africans are involved and should be cut back to 12 anyway.
10 Oct 2012, 14:37 pm
@Xhosakid, i have to agree theres just too much needed. Lions do not have the fans to fill ellis park in sr , why the hell will their fans come watch these games?
10 Oct 2012, 21:17 pm
@XhosaKid-9: You sound positively miffed that a union facing the wilderness is NOT rolling over and dying? What did EC do in all those years they were spending Sharks cash again? Oh, that’s right… nothing at all. Just cried, threatened and moaned enough to get the filthy Watsons’ involved and willing to score ANY political favour, regardless of the damage to SA Rugby.
SARU, to avoid being sued stukkend, will most certainly be funding a large portion of this 2013 adventure, so ticket sales will not be quite as important a you would like to believe.
COME on MY LIONS!! Kings can suck it all he way back to Vodacom Cup in 2014! SARU could also do us a favour and all travel on SANTACO airlines together for its inaugral flight.
11 Oct 2012, 01:44 am
@XhosaKid-8:
The Kings’ path to – and elevation to – Super Rugby is tainted, it has been achieved for spurious political reasons, it has zero merit, that’s ZERO. It has no right to be there, given its laughable rugby credentials.
In fact, it has as much integrity as did The Citizen newspaper that was launched by the Nats, with taxpayer money, back in the 70s to peddle their apartheid shite. Zero integrity.
That’s why people will celebrate when this joke of a franchise is boycotted by players, that’s the reason why people will celebrate each hammering they get in the 2013 season.
They brought it upon themselves, they have only themselves to blame. They epitomise everything that is fundamentally wrong in South African society – entitlement, based on demands made to their political connections. Merit, of course, is the major casualty.
Geddit?
@Jeez-5: Keo’s mob is ‘his master’s voice’ for Luke, his old man and the Kings (pretty much like The Citizen was for Vorster anbd co), there is significant financial gain for them, which is why they trot out this Kings **** day after day after day. Best advice I can give: take it from whence it comes…and with more than just a pinch of salt!
11 Oct 2012, 07:26 am
I repeat my longstanding stance: Zero respect for any South African player who signs for the Kinks.
11 Oct 2012, 07:54 am
@BrumbiesBoy-14:
As an Aussie and Brumbies supporter, I can’t understand your personal antagonism towards the Kings.
11 Oct 2012, 08:15 am
@David-15: Don’t jump to conclusions David, your statement is only 50% true.
11 Oct 2012, 08:21 am
@BrumbiesBoy-16:
OK, which one is true?
11 Oct 2012, 08:33 am
@David-17: Clue: look at my nick!
11 Oct 2012, 08:47 am
@BrumbiesBoy-18:
So, are you the Aussie equivalent of a Cape Crusader?
11 Oct 2012, 09:10 am
@BrumbiesBoy-16:
so which is it that’s true?
that you’re an aussie and a brumbies supporter… or that you have considerable personal antagonism towards the kings?
11 Oct 2012, 09:59 am
Did the Rebels & Force earn entry into super rugby?
Did the Lions earn the oppertunity to continue after countless failed seasons?
Your excuses are kak
11 Oct 2012, 09:59 am
What did the lions do to warrant their place in super rugby again, after propping up the table again? When you complain about lack of consequences in other spheres of life, sure the same principle would apply. The Lions didn’t perform. Tough cookies for them. If next year, the Kings don’t perform and are relegated, the same will apply. Don’t condone mediocrity.
11 Oct 2012, 10:01 am
@David-19: Haha, I knew somebody would say that one day!!! But yes, I suppose you could say that I am, although seeing as their stance is (presumably) based on SA Rugby being “too white” mine is a total rejection of continued government (read political) interference in the game that I so love.
I cannot and will not tolerate or support teams which are not selected on merit. This has always been my stance but became official when they introduced the abhorrent quota system at Currie Cup level in 2000.
“No “abnormal” sport in a “normal” society.
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-20: Hehehe…please see above. But in the light of your question David was in fact 66.3% right in his assumption!
11 Oct 2012, 10:05 am
Surely the most important dates are the two Promotion Relegation matches end July & beginning August and the Lions work back around those.
So to consider Games from the Pacific Islands offer little to no value in June plus the risk of injury to players.
The other proposed games are throwaway B-grade exhibition matches and seem like one offs with little to no value for broadcasters sponsors or advertisers and the Lions have been shopped a junk fixture list by Willem Strauss for R8m for 4 games against French clubs.
Who cares?
And after this and the Lions lose the promotion relegation matches against a battle hardened SR team? What then?
Are the Lions on some insane merry go round chasing their tails?
11 Oct 2012, 10:10 am
@BrumbiesBoy-23:
hehehe
i thought as much.
11 Oct 2012, 10:16 am
@Rhys7-21: So is SA Rugby.
11 Oct 2012, 10:19 am
@pompies2-22: Now now Pompies don’t get hysterical… we know it is a tough job supporting a political trojan horse of a team with ZERO merit to their promotion. All we are doing is poitning out the obvious..oh and the facts.
Speaking of which, were the Lions afforded a Promo/ Relegation play-off for 2013? Why not? Why then force that in for 2014 and not have automatic promotion/ relegation again? Ah yes, this is the Kings we are talking about, neh?
11 Oct 2012, 10:20 am
@pompies2-22: Pompies stick to pomping, if the Kings finsh last they have the chance to stay in Super Rugby, but the Lions were not afforded that chance with a relegation match. I don’t really care anymore who stay and who go’s in Super Rugby as long as it is fair.
The Kings should be in the CC premiership but if they do not make it then what are their Super Rugby players going to do play 1ST Division, I see SARU giving them another foot-up.
11 Oct 2012, 10:22 am
@Slappes-11: They might not have fans to fill Ellispark but I suppose they have genuine fans who still go to the stadium even when the Lions are losing all their Super Rugby matches. I hope the Kings can attain a 22300 avg for all their home matches.
11 Oct 2012, 10:34 am
@Rooibaard2000-12: “What did EC do in all those years they were spending Sharks cash again?” HEHEHE what sharks cash are you blabbering about?
11 Oct 2012, 10:39 am
@Transformation-30: the cash we paid you lot to f aaaaa k off
11 Oct 2012, 10:41 am
Id like to see the Kings do well, even though I dont approve to the way things were done especially with a politically motivated Cheeky Watson at the helm… But it would be great for SA and EP rugby in the long run… But I also want the Lions to be ok in the long run… Just like the Bulls turned things around Im sure the Lions can do the same… SARU will have to step up though and show some balls. Greg Peters (SANZAR chief executive) is a greedy prick and SA have been at a disadvantage for far too long. We bring in the majority of the income and should therefor have a much bigger say in the way things are run. Hopefully a power shift will be made and the Lions can be accommodated…
11 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
SARU president Oregan Hoskins stated on numerous occasions that: “The Kings’ inclusion in Super Rugby will not be at the expense of any existing franchises.”
SARU president Oregan Hoskins lied.
Zero trust, zero respect and he will never be believed again.
Finish and klaar.
11 Oct 2012, 10:44 am
@rangerman-31: another delusional blitherer
how much did you lot pay?
did SARU approve this transaction?
11 Oct 2012, 10:54 am
@BrumbiesBoy-33: Fact. Bunch of bloody hypocrites.
11 Oct 2012, 10:54 am
@BrumbiesBoy-33: you are wrong, that statement was made by the 5 franchises themselves after SARU gave them an opportunity to “find a workable solution”!
they came back with a letter stating that they agree the Kings should enter super rugby but not at the expense of any existing franchises, it went to a VOTE and the member unions that make up the various franchises voted AGAINST the lions 23 to 6 (if i recall correctly)
now why don’t you channel your bitterness towards the unions that “agreed” outside the SARU offices to stand as one but F*CKED the lions over when it came to the vote?
oh ja, it is easier to smash the scarecrow of “politics, cheeky etc”
11 Oct 2012, 10:54 am
@Rooibaard2000-27: You don’t know which team i support. I’ve never once on the forum said which team i support. I, unlike you, don’t condone mediocrity. The Lions have been abysmal in 2 seasons of super rugby. Surely there has to be consequences. A promo relegation is just another chance on top of the 14 other chances they have during the season.
11 Oct 2012, 10:56 am
“if the Kings finsh last they have the chance to stay in Super Rugby”
That says it all. if’s and but’s. the lions finished last. it’s a fact. the kings could end last, that’s your opinion. my opinion is that you’re an idiot. more of your ramblings might turn that into fact.
11 Oct 2012, 11:00 am
@Transformation-36: Sugarcoating your beloved King Dingaling’s slimey ways again I see…….
11 Oct 2012, 11:15 am
“Meanwhile, the disciplinary hearing with suspended head coach Mitchell is still ongoing. The matter has been postponed several times since June”.
What exactly is Mitch charged with?
11 Oct 2012, 11:21 am
@Transformation-36:
i’m curious to know who, besides the bulls, stood with them..?..
it would be nice to know who the backstabbers were of the big 5.
11 Oct 2012, 11:22 am
was it the sharks and wp?
or the sharks and cheetahs who sold them for silver..?..
11 Oct 2012, 11:31 am
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE-39: slimey huh?
January 27: A Special General Meeting was held to consider Vodacom Super Rugby participation (among other things).
* The SARU Executive Council (Exco) proposed that the top four teams in the South African conference at the end of the 2012 competition join the Southern Kings as the South African representatives in the 2013 competition.
February 23According to the franchises’ letter they “unanimously” decided that it is imperative:
* That the inclusion of the Kings will benefit South African rugby in general;
* That none of the existing franchises shall be prejudiced by the Kings’ inclusion in any way whatsoever;
* That none of the existing franchises shall be eliminated from the tournament in 2013 or at any stage thereafter as a result of the inclusion of the Kings;
* That SARU as custodian of the South African leg of the tournament will ensure that the Kings are included without prejudice to any of the existing franchises.
see BrumbiesBoy?
11 Oct 2012, 11:32 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-41: it was sharks, bulls and lions = 6 votes.
11 Oct 2012, 11:34 am
@cane-40: smacking the players with rugby balls in their faces, swearing at them and making them run hard..
11 Oct 2012, 11:40 am
@Transformation-44:
ok thanks
so wp and the cheetahs then.
@Transformation-45:
smacking players with balls in their faces..?..
is that really treu?
11 Oct 2012, 11:43 am
@cane-40: @i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-46: The charges appear to allege that Mitchell, inter alia:
- used derogatory language towards players
- placed undue pressure on injured players to train and to play
and
- breached the terms of his contract by making unauthorised public statements
there you are!
11 Oct 2012, 11:46 am
@Transformation-45:
He never was Mr Nice Guy.
But they knew that before they employed him, (or should have).
11 Oct 2012, 11:49 am
@Transformation-47:
Thanks Transie.
11 Oct 2012, 11:50 am
@Transformation-36: No Sirree, you are wrong.
Way back in February when the Kings’ “guarranteed inclusion” in Super Rugby was announced SARU stated that all sort of meetings would take place in order to try and find a solution to fitting six into five.
Every time the decision at the subsequent “bosberaads” was postponed the same “assurances” were uttered by Hoskins as the “voice of South African rugby”.
The good Lord only knows what sort of “vote-for-me” promises and “toe-the-line-or-we’ll-cut-off your-support” threats were made to particularly the smaller unions behind the closed doors at these meetings.
Much the same as was done all those years ago by Bacher, Tshwete & co to eliminate the Springbok emblem in SA Cricket and all other sporting codes too.
SA “sport” sucks.
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