The controversial letter complaining of next season’s Currie Cup restructuring, that was circulated to several rugby unions this week, originated from the Falcons Rugby Union, it was learnt on Friday.
The letter, which was sent to the seven other unions likely to play in the second division of the renovated Currie Cup next year, was dismissed by SA Rugby managing director Rian Oberholzer as ”nothing more than mischief-making”.
The Falcons, who were in with a chance of making it into the Top Six for next year, have let that opportunity slip from their grasp following defeats to the Pumas and Lions in recent weeks and now face two seasons of second tier rugby.
Oberholzer said SA rugby and the SA Rugby Football Union were this week made aware of the letter, distributed on Monday, objecting to the restructuring of the 2003 Bankfin Currie Cup competition.
”On further investigation, SA Rugby found that a minority of provinces, which had not qualified for the Premier Division in 2003, are now expressing their dissatisfaction,” said Oberholzer.
”We therefore dismiss the letter as nothing more than mischief-making,” he said.
Those provinces, which back the Falcons’ sentiments, include the Leopards and Griquas rugby unions, while the remainder have thrown their weight behind Sarfu.
Sarfu communication manager, Anthony Mackaiser said the situation was spelled out at the meeting in June this year.
”Everyone was consulted on this issue at the time and we had no objections,” he said.
Oberholzer added: ”SA Rugby wishes to reiterate that the process of restructuring of the competition was a decision of its board, supported by the Sarfu executive committee, which incorporates all 14 provincial unions.”
The six teams expected to play in the Top Six next season are the Lions, Sharks, Cheetahs, Blue Bulls, Western Province and the Pumas. ? Sapa