SA Rugby said on Thursday that they were pleased the Southern Spears’ court application will not proceed this week.
By agreement between the parties involved, the matter will now be heard on August 10. This means that the Currie Cup will commence on Friday without any immediate threat of legal action hanging over the process.
”We are happy that the Southern Spears’ court action will in no way disrupt the beginning of the season of such an important domestic rugby competition,” said SA Rugby.
”Without engaging in the merits of the Southern Spears’ case, we had earlier expressed our deep concern that rugby matters were now being subject to legal action when there were avenues to approach concerns within the spirit of negotiation and cooperation, in the best interests of rugby.
”Further, it is unfortunate that the Southern Spears opted to institute their legal action right on the eve of the Currie Cup kick-off, causing unnecessary panic and unease within the rugby fraternity.
”We call upon all rugby stakeholders to put the interests of the game above everything else when they take crucial and far-reaching decisions.
”After the turmoil of the past few years, the new administration strongly believes rugby leaders, at all levels, need to approach issues with a sense of maturity and circumspection and not seek to score points in the public eye — at the expense of the game,” concluded SA Rugby.
Saru will comment further on the Spears’ court action only after the matter has been finalised. — Sapa