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Cape Town - The South African Rugby Union is reportedly forking out large amounts to pay the Southern Kings Super Rugby players’ salaries.
Due to the EP Rugby Union's financial struggles - which eventually saw the union liquidated - SA Rugby stepped in to take charge of the Kings’ Super Rugby franchise.
SA Rugby also funded the EP Kings during this year’s Currie Cup Premier Division, after the team was forced to play as amateurs in the Currie Cup Qualifiers.
According to Netwerk24, large amounts are set aside for the Kings players.
The Afrikaans website is in possession of a signed contract where the agreement is to pay a player, considered as inexperienced for Super Rugby level, R35 000 per month over a period of nine months.
This is believed to be the lowest amount a contracted Kings Super Rugby player could earn.
According to the website, 10 players have already signed contracts for 2017, which means a minimum of R3.15m for only those expenses.
A Super Rugby group normally consists of between 32-35 players.
It is also believed that the total expenses for the 38-man Currie Cup squad cost SA Rugby R2 467 500.
SA Rugby however insists it has the necessary means to pay for the expenses.
“The same model as this year will be used. A part of the income generated from broadcasting rights is shared among the unions. We then set up the budget accordingly,” a SA Rugby spokesperson said.
