SARU make fresh promises

 

The SARU delegation was lead by CEO Jurie Roux and made a scheduled appearance before the committee to discuss a number of issues, including the Southern Kings.

 

Roux explained that SARU still planned to offer Super Rugby to the Southern Kings, but are unwilling to do so at the expense of one of the existing five franchises.

 

"It's a simple fact – the Kings will play next year," Roux said.

 

"The Kings will play in the competition in 2013, but not at the expense of one of the other franchises.

 

"Resolving that part of the equation is the issue at hand and we have a number of proposals to take to the Exco (Executive Council) and ultimately to the General Council for a decision in July."

 

Roux also explained that he was confident that the Kings would attract the necessary sponsorships, which would enable them as a franchise to sign up the kind of players that would turn them into a "winning team which can compete against the best".

 

"It's all about money, and money will buy you the best team," he said. "Players will move to where the money is."

 

How exactly SARU plan to solve the problem remains a mystery, and they seem to be living in a wonderful utopia where all six franchises would be able to participate in next year's Super Rugby. However, SANZAR CEO Greg Peters explained earlier this year that the extended 15 team format that started last year has been sold to their broadcast partners and that the format is locked in for a five year contract. Peters confirmed that the format cannot be changed until the 2016 Super Rugby season.

 

SARU also briefed the Committee on its Strategic Transformation Plan – which has been newly aligned to the Department of Sport's National Sports and Recreation Plan – and also on the progress to establishing four SARU Academies as a pilot project in Boland, SWD, Border and Eastern Province.

 

"It was a very productive and useful meeting, which gave us an opportunity to share our plans with the Committee and understand the priorities and concerns of our parliamentary leaders," said Roux.

 

"It was gratifying to be complimented on the improved quality of our presentation and for the professionalism of our organisation."

 

Accoriding to the presentation made by SARU more none-white Springboks were selected under former coach Peter de Villiers than under his predecessor Jake White. In De Villiers' first year in charge in 2008 there were 35 none-white Boks picked, while the most under White was 28 in 2006. The number dropped to 23 last year.

 

Still, black representation in Springbok teams was greater than in all other forms of the professional game other than in the Vodacom Cup, the committee was told.