Privatisation the way forward for SA rugby?

Cape Town - Private ownership of South Africa’s rugby franchises could be the way forward for rugby in the country, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has said.

Alexander confirmed to Rapport that they are looking at amending SA Rugby’s constitution which would allow the privatisation of franchises.

“The financial sustainability of rugby in the country and our members is of utmost importance. Private and co-ownership is one possibility and we’ve already started looking at the constitution for suggestions. The suggestions will be made to the general council for a decision on co-ownership,” Alexander told the Afrikaans weekly.

The suggestions will be put forward at SA Rugby’s next general council meeting in December.

It is believed that the preliminary plan is to give outside parties a share of between 72-74%.

The general council however has the final say on the matter.

At present, a private owner is only allowed up to 49% ownership in a franchise.