Death of pro rugby in Eastern Province?

Cape Town - Professional rugby in the Eastern Province will in all likelihood cease to exist from next week.

According to Netwerk24, the EPRU will no longer contest the liquidation order which was obtained by 36 unpaid former players.

The union on Tuesday officially withdrew a business rescue plan in the Port Elizabeth High Court where a final decision on liquidation of the union will be made on August 4.

“The EPRU has no more cards left to play,” a source told Netwerk24.

“On Tuesday there was still the possibility that the union could come up with another business plan, but the fact that EP is not even prepared to fight the liquidation order anymore, speaks volumes.”

Another interested party said the union has agreed to pay the players’ legal fees.

“It is definitely a victory for the players,” he said. “But it could be bittersweet. The lawyers must still finally convince the court to enforce the liquidation order. So it’s not yet time to relax.”

However, doubts remain whether the union would be able to generate enough money by selling what is believed to be limited assets.

There is therefore the possibility that the players would only receive parts of their outstanding salaries.