The South African Rugby Football Union (Sarfu) has issued a stern warning to clubs and individuals associating themselves with the Rugga SA organisation.
In distancing itself from what it termed the ”rebel grouping”, Sarfu said clubs and players linking themselves to Rugga SA could face serious consequences and are placing in jeopardy their future links with Sarfu as the country’s only recognised rugby controlling body.
Sarfu CEO Mveleli Ncula said Rugga SA has no recognised standing within South African rugby and that Rugga SA represents a disenchanted minority that does not wish to conform to the recognised rugby structures in South Africa, or indeed the rules and regulations governing rugby in South Africa.
”Rugga SA has absolutely no affiliation to Sarfu or any of its provinces. Rugga SA also has no mandate to select teams to represent South Africa internationally as has been stated by its officials,” he said.
”As Rugga SA is not recognised by Sarfu, Sarfu shall not approve any overseas rugby tour organised by Rugga SA.”
He added that countries affiliated to the International Rugby Board (IRB) to which these tours are undertaken shall be discouraged from allowing their clubs to play against any team within the structures of Rugga SA.
Rugga SA’s efforts to dupe clubs into joining their ranks should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Clubs breaking away from provincial structures and linking themselves to Rugga SA could face permanent suspension as affiliated members of Sarfu.
Players representing these clubs face the same penalty. These players might also not be able to further their rugby careers overseas, should Sarfu refuse to release them in terms of the IRB regulations. — Sapa