A group of the country’s rugby power brokers, including billionaire Johann Rupert, is reportedly compiling an offer to rival SA Rugby’s proposed equity deal with US-based Ackerley Sports Group (ASG).
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Rupert, Marco Masotti, and Johan le Roux – each holding a stake in the Vodacom Bulls, Sharks, and DHL Stormers respectively – are said to back an alternative proposal.
A document outlining this plan will reportedly be presented to SARU on Monday, just days before its board is set to vote on the ASG deal.
The ASG agreement would see the Americans acquire 20% of SARU’s commercial rights for R1.3 billion, but critics have raised concerns over its financial structure, hefty commissions, and the lack of guaranteed funds.
Former Springbok Schalk Burger senior, who represents smaller unions such as Boland, has voiced opposition, calling this a “watershed week for SA Rugby”.
The alternative proposal, led by local investors, matches ASG’s financial offer but eliminates commissions. It also calls for a financial institution to assess SARU’s needs.
With discontent spreading among unions, securing the required 75% majority vote for the ASG deal appears increasingly uncertain.
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REVEALED: Rassie Erasmus said the decision to have shoulder surgery was driven by his desire to remain hands-on……
Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus said the decision to have shoulder surgery was driven by his desire to remain hands-on with the world champions.
Erasmus went under the knife in Johannesburg last week to address an old rugby injury. Speaking to Sunday newspaper Rapport, the two-time World Cup-winning coach shared the reasoning behind the procedure.
“I really like to train and run with the players,” Erasmus told Rapport. “It became frustrating to no longer do that or get involved in certain exercises.”
The operation was necessary as the injury had worsened over time, the 52-year-old explained, with many muscles in the shoulder no longer functional.
The former Bok loose forward, who dislocated his shoulder several times during his playing days, admitted he might need further surgeries in the future.
The pain post-surgery was significant but the 36-Test Erasmus added that he is on the road to recovery and hoped to be discharged from the hospital over the weekend.
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