Share

SARU, Lions planning future

Cape Town - A delegation from the South African Rugby Union (SARU) met Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) officials in Johannesburg on Thursday to discuss ways of managing the impact of the exclusion of the Lions from the Vodacom Super Rugby competition in 2013.
 
Oregan Hoskins, Mark Alexander and Jurie Roux, respectively president, deputy president and CEO of SARU, met Kevin de Klerk, president of the GLRU, Altman Allers, deputy president and Ruben Moggee, acting CEO of the GLRU, to review the effects of the  Lions’ relegation from the tournament, following last week’s vote by SARU provinces to promote the Southern Kings into the competition.
 
“This was an exploratory conversation and it’s too early to predict what the outcomes will be,” said Roux. “We reviewed the Lions’ Super Rugby business model and considered the financial impact.
 
“The exclusion of any of the existing five franchises was a last resort for SARU. We will look at options for support for consideration by the Exco (Executive Council of SARU) in the short term.”

De Klerk said: "The conversation was a very serious discussion on the future of the Lions and hopefully we can work together to some positive outcomes."
 
Roux said that SARU had noted the decision of the arbiter in the case for compensation brought by the Leopards and Mpumalanga Rugby Unions against the GLRU, their partner in the Lions Super Rugby franchise. He said the matter had not been discussed with the Lions as it would have been inappropriate to do so in the absence of the junior partners in the franchise.
 
 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE