EP-Border rugby merger plan rejected

CALLS for a merger between the troubled EP Rugby Union and Border have been shot down by Rugby Transformation Coalition (RTC) spokesman Bantwini Matika.

The coalition was reacting to SA Rugby Union independent executive committee member Monde Tabata’s idea to bring the unions together.

“A merger of this nature would be a disaster for black rugby. We would be minimising the opportunity for black players to play Currie Cup rugby.

“We have a huge pool of talent and the geographical difference between Port Elizabeth and East London is too far.

“This is something we could look at in 20 years. Now we have to look at getting EP Rugby stabilised and we need to find sponsors,” Bantwini said.

Bantwini made the point that Johannesburg and Pretoria were nearby cities and they had two unions and there were three unions in the Western Cape.

Saru confirmed last week that Tabata would liaise with EPRU.

“The executive council has appointed one of its members [Monde Tabata] to liaise with the local union over the short term to discuss ways and means to ensure rugby continues despite the liquidation application,” Saru said.

Bantwini said: “We feel it is a premature call. We have a province to save from complete decimation and all our focus should be on that before thinking of a merger.

“We asked Saru to take over our adminstration and we are happy that they seconded someone of Tabata’s calibre. We think he must be given room and time to effect an efficient turnaround before we could think of possible mergers.

“When the time is right that would be considered and done according to our terms and not SA Rugby’s. So, for now, let the sleeping dog lie,” Bantwini said.

Last week, Saru said its executive council had appointed Tabata to liaise with the local union over the short term to discuss ways and means to ensure rugby continues despite a liquidation application.

Insiders say Tabata will be in charge of administration and Francois Davids will be the chairman of the union.

Tabata, who said he was speaking in his personal capacity, said: “We really need to look at whether what has happened in these two unions does not present an opportunity to have a renewed Eastern Cape rugby focus.

“As the Eastern Cape we need to begin to have discussions about whether or not it is still viable to have Border and EP operating independently from each other.”

“Out of any problem encountered by any institution or business, the best way to fix the problem is to create a new vision.”

Saru president Oregan Hoskins said the national body would agree to such a proposal, but said this would have to be first endorsed by the leadership of the two unions.

Meanwhile, the troubled EP Rugby Union will hold a special general meeting on April 30 when clubs will table a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the cash-strapped union.

Clubs want the following issues discussed at the meeting: ý The 2016 Currie Cup team; ý Grand Challenge fixtures are not taking place until they are tabled to the union committee;

•  A vote of no confidence; and
• The appointment of auditors.