Griquas holding out hope

Despite being relegated after losing to the Pumas in Nelspruit, Griquas are hopeful of remaining in the Currie Cup next year.

The Kimberley side could be thrown a lifeline if SARU reconsiders the proposal to expand the Currie Cup from six teams to eight next year.

The proposal was initially tabled at a SARU special general meeting last month but it decided against expansion, however it is expected to be tabled again at a meeting on December 5.

Departing Griquas coach Pote Human said while he believed the Pumas deserved their place among the top-six teams in the country, there was also a case for Griquas to play top-flight rugby.

“All the credit must go to the Pumas but it is bad for Griquas, they deserve to play in the Premier Division and I really hope SARU will make the decision to allow eight teams in the competition,” said Human.

“It is going to be difficult to get sponsorships and to retain players, it is also bad for the region as we’ve attracted good players that also played for the Cheetahs.”

SAPA