US rugby chief in talks over EP

AMERICAN rugby chief and New York financier Douglas Schoninger had top level meetings in Cape Town this week with the liquidators of the EP Rugby Union and some of the SA Rugby Exco about buying a 74% stake in the troubled union.

Schoninger, who is also the boss of Pro Rugby North America, arrived in South Africa from America on Sunday and had meetings with the liquidators on Monday and yesterday.

The American also had an informal meeting at the invitation of SA Rugby president Mark Alexander at a braai at the Cullinan Hotel on Sunday.

Last year Schoninger met Alexander in London, when talk of his interest in buying a stake in EP Rugby first surfaced.

Although SA Rugby and the architect of the deal, Tony McKeever, threw a veil of secrecy over the meetings with the liquidator, it is believed that a deal has yet to be finalised and signed.

One of the liquidators, Danie Acker, confirmed that negotiations were underway with interested parties.

“I am currently not at liberty to give detailed information,” Acker said.

“Yes, we are talking to interested parties. We are positive that a deal is possible, but I cannot disclose names or more than that.

“Hopefully we will be able to give more information by next week.”

Insiders said the terms and conditions of the acquisition of 74% of EP Rugby Pty Ltd and its commercial rights were discussed between Schoninger and the liquidator.

Saru spokesman Andy Colquhoun said they did not give a running commentary on their operations when asked about Schoninger’s visit.

McKeever said yesterday he could not make any further comments because of a “news blackout” that has been agreed on between Schoninger and SA Rugby.

Sources said a sticking point to any deal that will need Sanzaar approval, is that Schoninger wants the Kings entrenched in Super Rugby until 2020.

The EP Rugby Union is under administration by SA Rugby, in terms of the SA Rugby constitution, who appointed Monde Tabata as the administrator.

The meetings come just four weeks before the Southern Kings play their opening Super Rugby match against the Jaguares in Port Elizabeth on February 25.

McKeever said the potential deal was not only about saving EP Rugby.

“This is about the salvation of all South African rugby franchises. This is a mentality of all for one and one for all.

“A deal like this he said. — will bring stability,”