MRL forges ahead with court case against SARU

UPDATE: The founders of the Mzansi Rugby League are launching a two-pronged attack on the establishment in South Africa.

Despite the recent setback, with the departure of Renaldo Bothma, the new player in the game is forging ahead with its legal challenge against the South African Rugby Union.

The MRL was formally launched in South Africa in September, although it has been in the planning stages for months and will only kick off in 2027.

Calvin Smith, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of the MRL, said they couldn’t settle with SARU.

“The MRL’s defamation case against SARU and MyPlayers is proceeding,” Smith told @rugby365com.

“Both defendants [SARU & MyPlayers] are now within their window to file formal pleas.

“We’ve acted in good faith to resolve the matter privately, but as things stand, no resolution has been reached.”

The MRL launched formal legal action against SARU and MyPlayers in October.

The league claims both organisations have made false statements aimed at discrediting the fledgling competition.

According to MRL, both parties have sought to ‘delegitimise’ the league, warning players against joining and suggesting that the competition is unsafe or unauthorised.

MRL has strongly rejected these claims, describing them as “false” and demanding a public apology from MyPlayers.

The other element of their master plan is to get the league off the ground.

“While the legal process unfolds, we’re focused on the work that matters most: building a safer, fairer, and more accessible future for the South African game,” Smith added.

The MRL will be unveiling its new player-welfare and safety framework this week.

“It’s a first for South African sport, a comprehensive programme built with experts who’ve worked alongside World Rugby to ensure every coach, referee, medic, and player in the MRL is certified, educated, and protected.

“This will be followed by the announcement of another major initiative: the MRL Development Partner Programme, which rewards schools, universities, and amateur clubs that produce professional talent within the MRL ecosystem.

“Both initiatives reflect what the MRL stands for: opportunity, accountability, and player welfare at the highest standard.”

The 16-team league, based in nine provinces, promotes itself as the new home for South Africa’s next generation of talent.

It offers salaries between ZAR15,000 and ZAR30,000 per month, as well as premium medical aid coverage.

@rugby365com