New direction for EPRU exco

A SIGNIFICANT event in South African rugby happened on March 10 last year.

The Port Elizabeth High Court placed the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) under liquidation. EPRU was insolvent. This was a sad day, considering the fact that Eastern Cape is and has been the home of many big names in the world of rugby.

The liquidation period tremendously disadvantaged EPRU players, including the Kings – they struggled to survive.

EPRU owed players more than R18-million – this affected our development structures and amateur clubs. In fact the union was dysfunctional.

Despite this, the new exco committed to step in in April this year.

The new exco took over a union with R31 in the bank account. This is a union that services 122 clubs, including women’s rugby clubs, and disabled people in the province – and this was supposed to be done on a R31 budget.

This poor financial state was left by our predecessors.

Nevertheless, this did not discourage the new formidable team of professionals who sees a bright future within the region and confident that it will revive the spirit of EP Rugby.

Today, what was once termed “a beleaguered union” is out of administration and liquidation.

It is also in the process of regaining overall control of all rugby structures in the region and, more importantly, is arranging to pay all monies owed to players.

This work was completed in less than seven months after the takeover from the previous leadership.

On Tuesday October 3, for the first time, the union had a breakfast event themed Breakfast with Thando Manana.

The purpose of the breakfast was to raise funds, introduce the new exco to the community of our region, disclose EPRU’s mandate and direction, and, more importantly, engage with different sectors of our communities, pursuing support and unity.

As we continue to rebuild this brand (EPRU), it is no secret that your support will be appreciated.

To all businesses, clubs, affiliates and the community at large, the EPRU wishes to thank those who made the event a success.

To our partners, MBDA, The Herald and Events Hire Network, siyabulela!

Sithembele Mpokeli, EPRU communication portfolio