Publications
Partners
Cape Town - At least three EP Kings players have been given food vouchers by the South African Rugby Players' Association (SARPA).
According to SA Rugbymag, SARPA has also offered players assistance with fuel and accommodation.
This comes after the EP Rugby Union last week confirmed that neither of the staff nor players were paid their October salaries.
Due to the Kings’ failure to compensate their players, SARPA informed the players of their rights to leave the union.
SARPA also advised those who do not have alternative employment offers that they are not obligated to return to training this week.
Three players - centre Tim Whitehead, prop Lizo Gqoboka and loose forward Tim Agaba - have already opted to leave the Kings.
A statement from the union last Friday read: “Aside from Tim Whitehead and Lizo Gqoboka, who were confirmed as leaving yesterday (Thursday), the EP Kings can confirm that Tim Agaba has now also given notice of his intent to leave the Kings. These are the only three players that have currently given notice.
“As stated yesterday, we are aware that SARPA have advised players that EP Rugby is in breach of contract, due to the non-payment of salaries by the 10th of November, and that they have advised that players can therefore terminate their contracts.
“They have also advised those who do not have alternative employment offers that they are not obligated to return to training on Monday next week.”
EP Rugby president Cheeky Watson is currently in Australia negotiating with a possible sponsor and the union has pleaded with the remaining players to hold fort.
“A letter from the president, Cheeky Watson, has been received and has been disseminated to all staff and players. The letter explains the current situation to them and has asked the players to bear with us just a little longer.
“We are still experiencing cash flow issues and will not be in a position to release any funds today. We are continuing to engage with our various stakeholders to find a solution.”
