Sharks board red cards foul play

 

At a Sharks board meeting held at, a major topic of discussion was the recent censure of players at Super Rugby level and that a policy of further internal penalties should be implemented.

 

Chairman of the Board, Stephen Saad explained that: “The Sharks Board agree that red cards and dirty play are neither acceptable nor do we condone that such behaviour be associated with the Sharks. 

 

“At the board meeting, we endorsed the executive management’s suggestion that the current censure is inadequate and can confirm that further sanction on the players has been taken over and above that served from SANZAR.”

 

The implementation of the policy will apply to new contracted players who will have to sign a 'no play, no pay clause.

 

While players already contacted will be asked to have the clause accepted into their contract.

 

In the same meeting, the board also complemented CEO John Smit for the hard work done in recovery of the financial fortunes of the Sharks.

 

At the KZNRU AGM, the consolidated accounts showed a financial turnaround of nearly R22-million in a single year and the largest part of this turnaround can be attributed to the Sharks financial improvements.

 

“John has not only managed his expenses well and implemented the needed governance, but has been instrumental in driving the sponsorship revenue,” Saad explained.

 

“This was sorely needed to underpin the investment we need to make in our squad to help impact the future strength of Sharks.

 

“On the rugby front, the Board does recognise that we are not where we would like to be, but need to acknowledge that John and his team, in less than two years, have won a Currie Cup, been in a Currie Cup semifinal with their very young squad, and topped the SA Conference in Super Rugby last year for the first time, probably making the Sharks the best performing of any franchise.

 

“We wish John and his team well for the rest of the season.”