EP pulls plug on SWD friendly

A PROPOSED friendly between the EP Elephants and SWD Eagles in Plettenberg Bay today has been cancelled at the last minute.

It would have been the Elephants’ first warm-up before their opening SuperSport Rugby Challenge match against Western Province at the Wolfson Stadium in Kwazakele on April 22.

Several sources said the game had been called off because Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids would not release players from his PRO14 squad for the friendly.

EP Rugby president Andre Rademan, however, said he had decided to prioritise the Kings game against Munster in George on Saturday ahead of the friendly.

“There were logistical issues and I decided to pull the plug on the friendly. I am the only one who can take this decision to call off the friendly,” Rademan said.

“This was only a friendly and the PRO14 clash against Munster is a very important fixture.

“I will always act in the best interests of EP Rugby and my decisions are based on fact. I took the decision after consultations with the coaches.”

Flyhalf JC Roos, who has linked up with the Kings on a trial basis, had been expected to play in the Plettenberg Bay friendly.

It is not known whether the Elephants will play any other friendlies before they face defending champions Western Province.

“We are busy contracting players and coaches for the SuperSport Rugby Challenge. Their names will be released shortly,” Rademan said.

A big crowd is expected for the Western Province game at Wolfson, to watch the Elephants start their challenge for honours.

“We will try to get the strongest side on the field to play Western Province,” Rademan said last month.

“The plan is to use some of our Southern Kings PRO14 players and some of our club players.

“Last year we did not have money to sign players and we had to use club players in a professional competition because we wanted to make the financial turnaround.”