Major shakeup expected

MONEY makes the world go round and big financial decisions, which could severely impact the immediate fortunes of the Southern Kings and Eastern Province (EP) Rugby, are looming.

Matters will come to a head when SA Rugby bosses gather in Cape Town on December 9 for a general meeting that could change the face of South African rugby.

Decisions made at the meeting by representatives of the 14 provincial unions will give fans an indication of how SA Rugby plans to navigate itself through the choppy waters it currently finds itself in.

A wide range of items will come under the spotlight, including the format for next year’s Currie Cup Premier Division and the private ownership of South African Super Rugby franchises.

Money is in tight supply at SA Rugby at present and that was underlined with the news that the EP Rugby Academy may close its doors because of a lack of funding.

The academy’s main benefactor, the SA Rugby Union (Saru), has pulled the plug on funding and frantic efforts are being made for private sponsors to keep the highly respected institution’s doors open.

While the Kings are guaranteed their berth in Super Rugby next year, their long-term future in the event remains unclear.

There is also the question of how long SA Rugby is prepared to sponsor the Kings.