Pumas boss Jimmy Stonehouse is concerned that local players aren’t “in the loop” about MyPlayers’ dispute with SA Rugby and Sareo over their welfare in the Currie Cup.

Players’ association MyPlayers are in a battle with rugby employer’s organisation Sareo which could lead to the Currie Cup not taking place in 2024.

SA Rugby had shifted the Currie Cup to take place between July and September this year – to avoid overlapping with the Vodacom URC – but still needed approval from MyPlayers.

However, MyPlayers are resistant to the Currie Cup taking place during what is usually an eight-week off-season for professional players and have referred the matter for formal arbitration.

Speaking to News24, Stonehouse voiced his bewilderment at MyPlayers’ stance while highlighting the lack of inclusivity.

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“I’ve had a myriad of my players come to me asking about the uncertainty surrounding the hosting of this season’s Currie Cup. To be honest, I’m a bit stumped because I tell them that’s something they should be asking MyPlayers,” the Pumas director of rugby told News24.

“Maybe I’m wrong, but if the players are coming to me then it suggests they’re not in the loop about a decision that fundamentally involves them. If that’s the case then the tentative conclusion is that they aren’t being granted their input.

“MyPlayers is a representative body for everyone, not just the so-called big unions.”

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Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images

The post Stonehouse ‘stumped’ by Currie Cup saga appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Src: sarugbymag.co.za