Griquas may play in the big leagues
SA RUGBY on Friday announced that the Mpumalanga and Griqualand West Rugby Unions had been identified as the preferred candidates to assume places in inter-continental competitions, should opportunities arise. The two unions were selected from a list of four bidders in a process assessed and determined by independent consultants.
The unsuccessful bidders were combinations of the Leopards, Valke and Griffons Rugby Unions and of the Boland, Border and SWD unions.
South African rugby already fields teams in the southern hemisphere Vodacom Super Rugby competition and the European-centred, Guinness PRO14.
Discussions have additionally taken place with various entities about potentially fielding teams in other international competitions. Any announcements in that regard will, however, only be made on the completion of contractual negotiations.
The appearance of the Pumas and Griquas in any new competitions would also be dependent on their agreement to licensing terms and conditions, said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.
“This is an important first step to further expanding the international reach of South African rugby and gives us time to have them properly prepared should future opportunities become available,” Roux said.
“There are discussions taking place but we are some way from confirming any new opportunities. That process is likely to continue well into 2018 before we have any finality,” he added.
The outcome of the assessment was announced to the SA Rugby General Meeting in Cape Town on Friday.
Earlier this year PRO14 chairman Martin Anayi said that the tournament’s aim was to continue growing, and on Friday two new possible venues – Nelspruit and Kimberley – were added to the pot.
SA Rugby’s General Council confirmed that the Mpumalanga and Griqualand West Rugby Unions had been granted “preferred candidate” status if openings in inter-continental competitions open up. Which means they are the seventh and eighth franchises in South Africa. With Super Rugby downscaling‚ it’s unlikely opportunities will exist in the southern hemisphere‚ so it’s to the north‚ where the Pumas and Griquas will look.
An excited president of Griqua rugby, Jannie Louw told the DFA that the biggest advantage for Griqua Rugby is that the players will now have a chance to receive international recognition, which in turn would benefit Saru, because now more players will be given an opportunity to showcase and improve their skills.
Louw alluded to a “rugby players’ factory” churning out new talent into the system.
“The biggest advantage for Griqua Rugby is that our players will be given an opportunity to get international recognition. This will also be of great assistance to SARU because more players being given an opportunity to showcase and improve on their rugby skills, as we are well known as being a ‘rugby players’ factory’ on a higher level, with the idea of sending new blood into the system.
“This award is really great for Griqua Rugby but we also have an obligation to SARU to also reap the rewards,” Louw added
Meanwhile, Griquas assistant coach Pieter Bergh was just as overwhelmed with the news.
“Obviously (we are) very happy that we got the franchise and (we’re) looking forward to exciting times for the union ahead, as well as for our supporters and the people of Kimberley. An abundance of hard work has gone in, on and off the field, to make this happen and the future looks extremely bright for Griquas rugby,” he told the DFA.
“The players are all very excited about it and cannot wait to be part of what lies ahead in the future. There is plenty to look forward to as a union in 2018 and hopefully (further into) the future,” he added.
There is now a renewed hope that through being awarded this opportunity Griqua rugby will thrive and reach greater heights than they did this past season, even maybe going all the way to winning the Premier Division of the Currie Cup in 2018.