SA Rugby (SARU) has notified the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers that they have to apply to proceed taking part within the United Rugby Championship subsequent season.
Whereas this improvement follows a letter despatched by these franchises opposing SARU’s proposed fairness take care of Ackerley Sports activities Group (ASG), SARU denies the reapplication course of is punitive, claiming it’s normal protocol.
An insider revealed to Sunday newspaper Rapport that the governing physique should adhere to strict standards for groups to qualify, emphasising that this resolution predates CEO Rian Oberholzer’s appointment.
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It’s understood that some throughout the franchises are involved concerning the lack of transparency across the guidelines for URC participation.
Regardless of the uncertainty, it stays extremely unlikely that the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers will lose their spots within the URC.
Hypothesis continues, nevertheless, because the ASG deal faces mounting opposition from a number of unions, who’re exploring different fairness agreements.
SARU has already dedicated to unique negotiations with ASG till December, whereas different potential companions, together with Sharks proprietor Marco Masotti, are believed to be contemplating forming a competing consortium.
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