Share

WP turn down stadium move

Cape Town - A Special General Meeting of the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) was held at Newlands on Wednesday to give feedback and to discuss the investigation of the feasibility and desirability to relocate to the Cape Town Stadium.


The WPRFU are the owners of the Newlands Rugby Stadium - in turn, the clubs are the stakeholders and owners of the union - and a decision to remain at Newlands was carried by the clubs on Wednesday, December 17, unanimously and without abstention, the WP Rugby website reports.

The decision to NOT further consider relocating to the Cape Town Stadium was based on a number of factors, the main considerations being the following:

1. The WPRFU owns Newlands Rugby Stadium - including the ground it is built on - outright and is thereby in complete control of its own destiny. Any position for the WPRFU at the Cape Town Stadium will be as a tenant or a minority shareholder in an operating entity as the City has made it very clear the ownership will always remain that of the City.

2. Whilst selling Newlands Rugby Stadium and moving to the Cape Town Stadium would result in a significant one-off cash injection for the WPRFU, it would be financially very difficult to ever own, purchase or build another stadium in the future, in all likelihood relegating Western Province to a tenant in perpetuity.

3. There is a model whereby the existing Newlands Rugby Stadium and surrounding properties owned by the WPRFU can be redeveloped to create an additional income stream for the union and to enhance the area and nearby sporting stadia/facilities.

4. Spectator numbers at sporting events globally are under threat on an annual basis and we are concerned about the effect on the atmosphere in catering to smaller crowds in a 55 000-seater stadium.

5. Various other operational and commercial issues were also considered, including:

5.1 - The operating costs pertaining to events at Newlands Rugby Stadium are significantly lower than those at the Cape Town Stadium.

5.2 - The capital replacement costs at Newlands Rugby Stadium are significantly lower than those at the Cape Town Stadium.

5.3 - Co-ordination of events at the Cape Town Stadium will be more difficult - especially in light that certain major entertainment events (such as concerts) are scheduled 12 to 18 months in advance, whereas the WPRFU would finalise its Super Rugby/Currie Cup schedules only by October of the previous year.


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% - 1117 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1976 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