Watson: I will not step down
Watson, addressing the media after his return from a fund-raising trip to Australia, said the controversy surrounding the EP Kings and Southern Kings' cash crisis was never about him.
The Kings have still not been able to pay players and officials their October salaries.
It resulted in the South African Rugby Union stepping in on Tuesday and "taking control" of the Southern Kings – ahead of their return to Super Rugby next year.
Asked if he would step down, following the controversy around the promised ZAR200-million sponsorship that has not materialised, Watson said he had no intention of doing so.
He was adamant that the position was never about him.
"This has never been about Cheeky Watson, it is about the Kings, it has always been about the Kings," Watson said.
Pushed about a possible vote of no confidence being sought against him by certain club structures, Watson said": "I'm not holding onto this position.
"If someone wants to step in, by all means."
Watson said he was still confident that the funding from the ZAR200-million sponsorship would materialise, but said he did not want to commit to any new timelines.
"I have already broken every timeline given," he told the media briefing.
"I am nervous to come up with another," he added.
Asked why business was so reluctant to invest in the EPRU, Watson said he was not sure, but that this was an ongoing problem that had existed for all the years that he has been involved in rugby since 1976.
Watson added it was important to take note of the press release from SA Rugby issued Tuesday.
Watson said he was constantly engaging with SA Rugby, including Rugby boss, Oregan Hoskins, and that the details around the implementation of the assistance still needed to be fleshed out.
"The cash flow crisis we have experienced is like a Greek tragedy. We want to thank SARU for stepping in to assist and we welcome whatever contributions they bring," he said.
Watson said he was confident that there was still enough time to get a team together ahead of the Super Rugby tournament next year.
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