What will become of the once iconic Newlands stadium that once played host to such iconic Springbok and Stormers rugby matches?

Ever since the Stormers and WP Rugby moved their home games to the DHL Stadium in 2021, leaving Newlands stadium behind, their former home ground has been left in a state of disrepair and run itself into the ground.

There were plans for the stadium to be placed on the market in a sealed bidding process, which was deemed as step that “remained crucial to the future sustainability of Western Province Rugby”, but there were some delays when a consortium sought to have it declared a heritage site.

Besides various other issues as well as certain groups attempting to stop Newlands from being sold, it has recently been suggested that the stadium could still be sold at auction.

HERE IS THE LATEST VIDEO OF WHAT NEWLANDS STADIUM NOW LOOKS LIKE:

Previously, he WPRFU offered its real estate, including Newlands, as security for the R250-million it owes Dreamworld Investments.

And according to Rugby365, Dreamworld has called up the bonds, which means property could be sold at auction to the highest bidder.

Yet, Peter Jooste, administrator of the WPRFU, has still suggested the stadium could still be sold to a prospective buyer.

“Since I was appointed administrator, we have worked diligently to prevent the foreclosure of Dreamworld,” he said in a statement

“The Western Province Rugby Football Union has secured a buyer who has completed their due diligence, and we are currently finalising the legal and contractual aspects of the proposed transaction.

“Throughout this process, Dreamworld’s representative has been kept informed of our negotiations with the prospective buyer and has received regular updates on our progress.

“Additionally, their representative has met with the prospective buyer and is fully aware of the offer under consideration.

“I want to emphasize that the WPRFU remains fully committed to working with Dreamworld to resolve this situation.

“We are close to finalising this agreement, and it would be a significant setback if we are unable to complete this deal.”

Last year’s Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and All Blacks in Cape Town took place at the DHL Stadium, but it’s worth remembering that all 10 previous encounters between the Springboks and All Blacks took place at Newlands.

Of those prior Tests, the Springboks have only won three times, losing the other seven matches.

The images of Newlands have drawn comparisons to the fate of the Boet Erasmus Stadium.

The former home of Eastern Province rugby, which had a capacity of just under 34 000, was officially closed in July 2010.

The last match to be played at the stadium was a friendly between EP and the Blue Bulls on 3 July, 2010.

HOW SAD ARE YOU TO SEE THAT IT’S COME TO THIS?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/new-video-shows-overgrown-newlands-stadium-in-disrepair/