SA Rugby president Brian van Rooyen on Wednesday emphatically quashed rumours of a rift with the government regarding the bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Van Rooyen was addressing the Johannesburg Press Club the day before he will lead an SA Rugby delegation into urgent talks with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) on Thursday.
”As far as I am concerned, I don’t think there is anything wrong with the bid,” he said. ”For the record, there is not a second letter that has been sent to me or the board. We have some important issues to meet in the coming weeks and we are going ahead with the plans.”
His comments came after reports that another letter had been sent to SA Rugby headquarters earlier this week warning it that the unequivocal backing from the South African government is not yet cut and dried.
”We need their support; to process visas, to ensure safety and security, gain work permits and for tax purposes, among other things. Government plays a vital role.”
The matter was further cleared up by Bongani Majola, ministerial liaison officer for sport and recreation, who said that as things stand, SA Rugby has the full support of Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhenkesi Stofile.
However, he added that the rugby bosses need to take care of certain issues in the coming weeks, months and years to ensure the government’s continued backing.
”The support the minister gave was merely for the intent to bid. SA Rugby needs the blessing — let’s say symbolic support — of the government not just now but right up to the start of the tournament.
”They will have this on condition they come back and reach certain measurables.”
Ultimately, SA Rugby has the full support of the government and will only have itself to blame should this support be retracted, added Majola.
Van Rooyen added: ”Our relationship [with the government] is a good one. I had a meeting with the minister and he made it clear he will not micro-manage any of the separate sporting federations.”
The meeting between SA Rugby and Sascoc at Olympic House on Thursday will be the first step taken to ensure a smooth process towards 2011 for all parties. — Sapa