Rugby
No rugby at CT Stadium
2010-10-08 10:46
Marelize Barnard Cape Town - No rugby matches will be played at the Cape Town Stadium.
That is the latest bad news for the Cape Town city council after it came to light on Wednesday that the SAIL Stadefrance Operating Company (SSOC) had pulled out of its proposed long-term lease agreement before it even came into effect, claiming it was too expensive to continue.
The Western Province Rugby Union on Thursday said it would not be prepared to move any game – be it provincial match or a Test clash – to the R4.5 billion stadium.
Meanwhile, WP president Tobie Titus reacted sharply to reports that the Cape Town city council would in future invoice the union for traffic services on match days at Newlands.
“We view it as blackmail,” said Titus.
“It’s a subtle way of getting us to use the Cape Town Stadium. It was never an issue before.”
Titus added that the union’s willingness to pay for traffic services could “depend on the amount”.
With regards to the possibility of playing Test matches at the Cape Town Stadium, Titus had two words: “No Tests.”
Titus said that rugby clubs, as shareholders, had decided in September at the union’s monthly meeting to respect an earlier decision that rugby will stay at Newlands.
Morné du Plessis, executive chairperson of SAIL Stadefrance, has assured he will work alongside the Cape Town city council to ensure a smooth hand-over.
Du Plessis said that despite the fact rugby would not be played at the stadium, soccer matches, concerts, carnivals and festivals could still be held.