The ministry of sport and recreation on Thursday called on the South African Rugby Union (Saru) to clarify the decision of awarding the fifth Super 14 franchise.
A resolution was passed by the president’s council on April 15 to award Central Unions (Free State, Griquas and Griffons) the new franchise, rather that the government-backed South-Eastern Cape region.
In a statement, the ministry said: ”There is still a lot of uncertainty amongst the rugby fraternity about the status of the proposals of the adjudication panel. Have the proposals been accepted as final by the rugby establishment or are they still open for discussion and amendments?
”At this stage it remains unclear. The ministry has today [Thursday] formally requested Saru to clarify this.”
The ministry said it implores the leadership of rugby to deliberate carefully on the merits of the proposals and the impact it may have on all rugby-loving communities in the country.
”We cannot afford, through our actions, to continue indicating to certain sectors of the rugby community that their interests are of less importance than those of others.
”We will invite Saru to convey their final decision to the ministry. The ministry will then respond on the outcome. We sincerely hope that we will find common ground on the matter — which should not be difficult if we share a common vision for sport in South Africa.” — Sapa