Still no clarity for Kings
3 Feb 2010
While Regan Hoskins and Cheeky Watson have met there’s still a question mark on the future of the Southern Kings.
The Melbourne Rebels were awarded the 15th Super Rugby franchise on 11 November. Nearly three months later, the Kings still haven’t been approved by Saru’s board to officially create the franchise in order to gain entry into Super Rugby.
With the Saru presidential elections set for 26 March, the Kings matter is likely to drag on as the presidential candidates are uncertain of their future.
Last month Watson called for all of Saru’s promises to be put in writing to ensure they aren’t duped like the Spears before them, but he hasn’t gained his wish.
‘I’ve personally had talks with Cheeky on the issue,’ Hoskins told keo.co.za, ‘and it’s still a work in progress. They’ve been fruitful talks and we’ve discussed as many options as possible. I don’t want to disclose the details as that might cause dissension.
‘I haven’t put any of our promises in writing. I met with Cheeky after he asked for that and I confirmed all our discussions are bona fide.
‘When we have reached finality on the decisions then we’ll put it in writing.’
Watson was unavailable for comment as he is out of the country for two days.
Meanwhile, Sanzar are mere weeks away from confirming that Argentina will be added to the Tri-Nations to make a four-country competition in 2012. Sanzar’s new broadcasting deal is also set to be finalised.
The major stumbling block to Argentina entering the competition was the availability of their leading players, the majority of who play in France’s Top 14. Last year the French clubs agreed to their release and the only other concern is Argentina’s commercial viability and sustainability.
‘The Argentina matter has been decided on a long time ago,’ said Hoskins, ‘but Sanzar officials just had to meet with the IRB. The IRB said they’ll fund the deficit of Sanzar’s costs for allowing Argentina in, so it’s a case of finalising those costs and scientifically working them out so it’s not a thumb-suck.
‘New Zealand and Australia believed they would incur serious losses for their home matches against Argentina as they wouldn’t get too many full houses. We don’t believe we’ll be as badly affected as them.’
Hoskins also confirmed that Sanzar’s five-year broadcasting deal with News Limited from 2011 is in the final stages of the negotiation process. Reports have suggested the new deal could be worth as much as US$400 million, which would be US$77 million more than the previous deal.
‘[Saru acting MD] Andy Marinos is representing us on that issue and he confirmed to me that putting pen to paper will happen soon.’
By Grant Ball
155 Comments
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5 Feb 2010, 00:37 am
@SodaJoe: do you think the economics are favourable for Newcastle United now Soda? Were they favourable for Leeds who got relegated after competing very well in the Champions League?! You have grandiose ideas about what Eastern Cape rugby should be, but South African business follows maximum exposure! As soon as Danny Jordaan and his team secured the World Cup Bid, everybody and their mother wanted to sponsor the PSL where previously teams went for 2 years without sponsors!
5 Feb 2010, 00:54 am
@Transformation: Bud it’s just my opinion, and what my approach would be.
Right now all I see is posturing.
I would certainly not look at the PSL as any commercial role model.
5 Feb 2010, 07:23 am
@SodaJoe: all very well then Soda
as i said earlier this new administration, up until now seems to be moving in the right direction as far as getting the Mighty Elephants to be competitive and on a good financial footing.
I just feel, that with the history of how things are & were done at SARU, expecting the Eastern Cape to jump through flaming hoops to get to Super rugby when there is no precedent for that kind of thing anywhere else is very disingenous.
5 Feb 2010, 07:30 am
@Peter Mkata: ndibulisile ndod’ enkulu! Ndilibele nokubulisa izolo ngenxa yokungxamela ukuphendula ezinkewu. Ndiyathemba unyaka ukuphethe kakuhle ndikunqwenelela amathamsanqa odwa.
6 Apr 2010, 08:55 am
I would love if the Southern Kings gets a big big sponsor and they are able to buy all the oversea players of South Africa and from a team. People Like Brent Barret, F Steyn, B Mujati, BJ Botha, CJ van der linde. The list goes on. Then they will be able to play in the boks team and we will be that much a stronger side for the world cup.
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