Play matches in other provinces

IT seems a foregone conclusion that the Kings and the Cheetahs will be axed from the Super Rugby competition next year.

To keep the interest in Super Rugby in particular and rugby in general in the Eastern Cape and Free State, I propose that the remaining four unions be compelled to play one of their games of the season in Bloemfontein or Port Elizabeth.

Remembering the original competition, some of the Sharks players were selected from the Eastern Cape and some of their games were played in the Eastern Cape.

The interest in the Stormers here at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is significant, so it makes sense that the Stormers and the Sharks each play a game in Port Elizabeth, and that the closer neighbours the Lions and Bulls play a game each in Bloemfontein. I think the organisers owe this to the many fans here in the Eastern Cape and the Free State.

Denying us this would be denying that rugby is important to the less advantaged people and the less advantaged areas.

It is also important to note that the New Zealand teams do not play all of their home games at their home grounds, they also venture out into the country to encourage supporters in those areas.

For example, the Hurricanes play home games in Wellington and Napier this year. The Chiefs play in Waikato and New Plymouth. The Blues are playing one of their games in Apia, Samoa!

Lets hope this challenge to the organisers bears some fruit.

Malcolm Abrey, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth