Share

Stormers laugh off R15 million compensation

Cape Town - The Stormers have laughed off reports that they received R15 million in compensation after Eddie Jones broke his contract with the union to take up the England coaching position. 

There were reports earlier in the week that England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) would have to pay that figure to the Stormers if they were to lure him to Twickenham, but that issue was cleared up at a press conference held at Newlands on Friday.

"There is a transfer fee involved. I am not going to divulge the figure. I think it's confidential between us and the RFU," Western Province president Thelo Wakefield said.

"Be assured of the fact that it's not near R15 million as reported in some newspapers."

That figure stemmed from reports that Jones was receiving R5 million per year at the Stormers - and the franchise also dispelled that notion.

"I think it's been said that Eddie was getting R5 million (per year)," said director of rugby Gert Smal.

"That was definitely, definitely not the case and I want to put it on record."

Jones is set to return to Cape Town in December to help out with the Stormers' pre-season preparations, and Smal confirmed to Sport24 that there would be no payment for that consultancy.

"Eddie will come in early December," said Smal.

"We don't pay him anything. It was purely a thing from his side. He feels bad about it.

"He really wants to see that we go ahead properly with what he started."

How long Jones will spend with the union is unclear.

"It all depends on his time. It's nice to have him ... not just for now but also for the future, and that's the relationship that we've struck up with him," said Smal.

"He really enjoyed it here. It's just that the opportunity was so big that he couldn't refuse."

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