The war of words between SA Rugby and union bosses has continued ahead of a crunch meeting on Thursday over hosting fees for 2024 Test matches.
According to widespread reports, rugby bosses from the Sharks, Bulls, Stormers and Lions have sought legal opinion after SARU requested a combined R85 million in fees for hosting the six Tests in the Republic this year.
Cheetahs CEO Ross van Reenen told News24 that the Free State outfit will not stand with the rest of the unions opposed to paying the fees, and believes the issue is set to be a “prickly” one during a SARU general council meeting on Thursday.
During a Springbok press conference on Tuesday, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander told reporters that he was “shocked” to read about the unions’ response in the media and vowed that the governing body would deal with those unions considering not paying the fees for hosting Tests this year.
MORE: SA Rugby boss hits back at unions
However, speaking on condition of anonymity to News24, a URC franchise administrator called Alexander’s comments “unbelievable”.
“I find it rather ironic that he accuses the franchises of going to the media about the issue and then does the exact same thing,” the administrator said. “Why didn’t he tell this to us directly?
“To be honest, if SA Rugby were willing to schedule a meeting with the respective franchise chairmen at an earlier stage, there would’ve been more clarity on the subject, and we could’ve avoided this situation.”
The issue is expected to take centre stage during a meeting of SA Rugby’s general council on Thursday, which was also set to handle talks over SA Rugby’s potential equity partner.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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