Smaller unions not backing down

2002-12-08 22:12

Dick van Walsem

Cape Town - A delegation of three presidents of South African provincial rugby unions are likely to begin negotiations with SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd about the change to the Currie Cup format on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

The delegation would consist of Rautie Rautenbach (Falcons), Jackie Abrahams (Boland) and Jan Fourie (Leopards).

Concerning last week's Sarfu meeting, at which a Falcons motion for Sarfu to declare a dispute with SA Rugby was withdrawn before it was put to the vote, Rautenbach said that the smaller unions definitely did not yield to attempts to change the Currie Cup, nor are they against a strength-versus-strength format.

He agreed to withdraw the motion provided that the smaller unions get another opportunity to negotiate with SA Rugby. Most speakers, including the smaller unions asked him not to put the matter to the vote.

Rian Oberholzer, the managing director of SA Rugby, said that meeting would take place even before the annual general meeting of his company.

"We are not against a strength-versus-strength format. However, we have it against it being implemented so hastily. In any event the Springboks would not be available for Currie Cup rugby next year.

"We don't believe that it is best to have 6 teams in the Premier League and 8 in the First League. We believe there should be 8 teams in the Premier League," Rautenbach said.

Oberholzer said early last month that the Currie Cup divisions were not yet cast in stone. "We would still listen to proposals in that regard. It could be a seven/seven division or an eight/six one," he said at the time.

Griquas and Falcons fans would await the outcome of the delegation's negotiations with eager anticipation. Griquas coach Swys de Bruin said there would be great joy in Kimberley if SA Rugby allowed the team into the Premier League.

"We belong amongst the top teams. I have no doubt about that. Griquas would not accept playing in the bottom league," De Bruin said.

- Die Burger