/ 21 October 2006

Saru calls on E Province rugby chiefs to resign

The South African Rugby Union (Saru) has called upon the executive of the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRFU) to resign.

Saru released a statement after a meeting of the management committee on Friday, saying it was very concerned about the poor state of affairs of the EPRFU.

”[The committee] has noted the numerous and repeated efforts by Saru, national and provincial government, the local municipal authorities as well as other key stakeholders to try and find a lasting solution to the problems facing the EPRFU,” said the statement.

”However, it is clear that despite all these efforts, the EPRFU executive is either unwilling to or seemingly incapable of grasping the full scale of seriousness of the situation.

”Saru, as custodian of the game in the country, views the Eastern Cape as far too important for it to act as bystanders whilst the unfolding discontent and clear division amongst the clubs of the EPRFU threatens the very future of rugby in the area.

”It is clear that the poor state of affairs calls for serious intervention by Saru. [The committee] has therefore decided to ask the entire EPRFU executive to resign with immediate effect.

”Failure by the EPRFU executive to react to numerous calls to restore unity and good governance in the province has left Saru with no choice but to issue this unprecedented call.” — Sapa