Heavy crash tackle for rugby clubs
● Covid-19 restrictions have hit rugby clubs across the country like a heavy crash tackle.
“It has been devastating for the players and the officials,” said Derek Jardine, chair of the Raiders, in Johannesburg.
“Our sponsors have pulled out and made it clear they are out for the rest of the year. They sent us a letter. We don’t see light at the end of the tunnel.”
The pandemic has also taken a toll on the players.
“In the first few weeks the guys were gyming and running, but they have just stopped now because they are demoralised. They are battling to stay alive. The economic impact is huge. We have 250 players and we serve the poorest of the poor,” said Jardine.
“A lot of them depended on the R150 match fee a week. For some that was food on the table. We have had to start doing food parcels for the most needy.”
Similar stories come from other clubs. “Without gate takings, we’re financially crippled,” said Neville Brown, deputy secretary of Harlequins in Port Elizabeth.
“Because we attract big crowds, the gate takings … cover a lot of things and they help the players, especially those who are unemployed, take something home to provide for their families.
“A big problem we’re having now with no rugby or traffic at the clubhouse is vandalism. Our clubhouse was broken into.
“We had sponsorships and plans lined up, but all of those have now fallen by the wayside.”
Motherwell are losing players because, without gate takings, the club could not afford to pay its rent.
“Some of the players had to go home because we couldn’t afford to pay rent of one of the houses where the players were staying,” said coach Qondakele Sompondo.
Swallows in East London also need gate takings to survive.
“There’s no money and the houses we were renting for the players, we’re still paying for them even though the players are not there,” said president Zuko Matyeshana.
Across town, Old Selbornians have challenges too. “With the club closed, there’s no income and the club also has employees because we have a bar that employs people,” said club president Akona Makalima.
“It’s a problem because they need to get paid … Our players are struggling because we can’t assist them in the manner we used to.”
Pniel Villagers, in the Western Cape, are resigned to a season without rugby.
“We can’t play behind closed doors or gates,” said club chairman Dudley Lackay.
“Our supporters are our sole source of income, whether it is what they spend at the bar or boerewors roll sales. We won’t even consider playing without spectators.”
Some clubs are keeping their heads above water for the time being.
Pirates in Johannesburg have initiated outreach programmes.
Their biggest struggle, however, is paying their staff.
“We paid some of our creditors,” said club manager Non Welsford. “Some we paid 50%, others 20%, but I followed that up with a letter stating that we are in total lockdown and haven’t operated since March 26.
“We want to keep our relationship with them, and in fact everyone has been so understanding.”
She said that cash flow generated during last year’s Rugby World Cup helped soften the blow.
This view was echoed by Barry Brown, chair of Crusaders in Durban, where the wage bill is R150,000 a month.
“I don’t think we have felt it yet. We had some savings in our account. We have advanced our staff a loan of 75% until their UIF grant comes through.
“The end of May, however, will be a lot trickier than the end of April.”