Hopes for EP rescue revived
US rugby boss waiting for Saru response to partnership offer
PRO Rugby North America rugby boss Douglas Schoninger has denied that his mooted partnership deal to revive the bankrupt EP Rugby Union (EPRU) has hit the rocks. Schoninger, the owner and chief executive of Stadium Capital Financing Group, said he was waiting for the SA Rugby Union (Saru) to get back to him.
He also denied not having the backing of USA Rugby.
It had been thought that the American deal was dead in the water after Saru issued a statement saying reports of an imminent investment in the Kings were grossly exaggerated and entirely misleading.
But Schoninger has hit back by telling the rugby365 website that he was still hopeful he could be involved with EPRU.
“There are issues that SA Rugby and EP Rugby need to sort out prior to having discussions with a third party,” he said.
“We look forward to hearing back from Saru.”
Schoninger admitted that much must happen before talks could get back on track, but that he was willing to wait for Saru and EPRU to get their house in order before he resumed discussions with either.
“USA Rugby has told us and Saru, that since it does not know the details of the partnership, it cannot issue support,” he said.
“I agree and second that, as we do not know the details ourselves.
“USA Rugby will support a plan, if presented, as it will be constructive to the growth of the game in the USA.”
The architect and champion of the EP Rugby and Mandela Bay Rugby blueprint with Pro Rugby, Tony McKeever, said he welcomed the new development.
“At the two informal meetings in London, between Saru president Mark Alexander and Doug Schoninger of Pro Rugby, a range of interactions were discussed apart from Pro Rugby’s investment and shareholding in EP Rugby,” McKeever said
“Mark Alexander also suggested that Saru coaches and referees could be deployed to the USA to mentor Pro Rugby coaches and referees in the Pro Rugby Tournament.
“This collaboration and exciting initiative suggested by Mark Alexander augurs well for fostering bilateral rugby and commercial initiatives between the USA, SA and particularly Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Part of our Mandela Bay Youth Development Plan for EP Rugby’s clubs, Varsity Cup and Currie Cup teams is to choose a squad of 100 club players, school-leavers and Varsity players to spend four months in the USA between March and June to play in the Pro Rugby tournament and then return to play in the EP Rugby tournaments,” McKeever said.
After several requests for a statement on the mooted partnership, Saru
DOUGLAS SCHONINGER
spokesman Andy Colquhoun broke the union’s silence on the potential deal for the first time last week.
News of the American alliance first broke on November 4 when it emerged that Schoninger had written to Saru chief executive Jurie Roux expressing his interest in EP Rugby.
That was followed by an informal meeting between Alexander and Schoninger in London.
Saru said: “Reports of an imminent investment in the Kings are grossly exaggerated and entirely misleading.
“EPRU is in liquidation and only the liquidator can speak on its behalf – no other party has those rights.”
There are issues that SA Rugby and EP Rugby need to sort out prior to having discussions with a third party