Cheeky faces Eastern Province Rugby Union election threat

[caption id="attachment_47254" align="alignright" width="405"] CHEEKY WATSON[/caption]

A BATTLE for control of the Eastern Province Rugby Union's boardroom was launched yesterday with a mud-slinging match and the announcement of a new administration coalition which aims to topple long-time provincial rugby supremo Cheeky Watson and his executive.

Facing what is expected to be the fiercest challenge yet to his six-year term as EPRU president, Watson was slated by the Movement for EPRU Transformation, which announced a shortlist of candidates ahead of the union's annual meeting on November 29.

Watson refused last night to be drawn on the accusations levelled against him by the new club coalition, but confirmed he had made himself available for re-election.

"Yes, I am available to stand in the election. And yes, I agree, it may be a tough battle, but I am not prepared to get nasty," he said.

"As far as the accusations made against me are concerned, I have absolutely no comment. I am a rugby man, I play the ball not the man." - Shaun Gillham, Additional reporting George Byron