SA Rugby (SARU) has notified the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers that they have to apply to proceed collaborating within the United Rugby Championship subsequent season.
Whereas this growth follows a letter despatched by these franchises opposing SARU’s proposed fairness cope with Ackerley Sports activities Group (ASG), SARU denies the reapplication course of is punitive, claiming it’s commonplace protocol.
An insider revealed to Sunday newspaper Rapport that the governing physique should adhere to strict standards for groups to qualify, emphasising that this choice predates CEO Rian Oberholzer’s appointment.
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It’s understood that some throughout the franchises are involved in regards to the lack of transparency across the guidelines for URC participation.
Regardless of the uncertainty, it stays extremely unlikely that the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers will lose their spots within the URC.
Hypothesis continues, nevertheless, because the ASG deal faces mounting opposition from a number of unions, who’re exploring different fairness agreements.
SARU has already dedicated to unique negotiations with ASG till December, whereas different potential companions, together with Sharks proprietor Marco Masotti, are believed to be contemplating forming a competing consortium.
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