Super 14 can reclaim elite tournament status
If officials take lessons’from past mistakes and apply them in 2024, the much-maligned EC Super 14 tournament can reclaim its status as SA’s No 1 ranked club rugby tournament. Its image was severely tarnished in 2023 after the event was beset by a series of embarrassing problems which dragged rugby s name through the mud. After two rounds of the 2024 edition, the tournament looks to be regaining the sparkle that made it the region’s showpiece event.
Capacity crowds are expected at the Adcock Stadium in Gqeberha and the De Wet Stadium in Despatch when the hardfought group stages of the EP conference are concluded on Saturday.
Because only three rounds are being played in the group stages, organisers decided neutral venues would be the fairest way for the final round games to be contested.
If this decision had not been taken, some clubs would have enjoyed the advantage of playing two games at home in a shortened round of three matches.
At one stage it looked as though the 2024 tournament would be scrapped after a long-running feud with organisers over the payment of outstanding prize money and travelling costs.
Much to the relief of rugby fans throughout the Eastern Cape, the tournament is back on track after clubs accepted reduced payments.
Progress club president Kosie Basson spoke for many when he said the officials must learn from their mistakes and not make the same errors again.
He says unions and clubs must take control of the sport and not let it be run by government officials.
Basson says that huge lessons were learnt in 2023 and that the EP and Border rugby unions must take control because rugby belongs to rugby people.
In the revamped Super 14, EP and Border teams will be kept apart and play in their own regional groups before the top four clubs from each region clash in the quarterfinals.
The regional format in the opening stages has been implemented to cut down on travelling costs.
Rugby fields throughout the Eastern Cape will come alive with what promises to be fast and furious action as the Super 14 attempts to regain its former glory.