Rugby news from Western Province:
Independent investigation clears WP Rugby:
No substance to the allegations of unfair discrimination or unfair labour practices were found in the independent investigation by legal firm Bowmans relating to claims made by Stormers assistant coach, Paul Treu. WP Rugby has received the comprehensive final report which made no negative or adverse findings against any WP Rugby officers, coaches or staff members.
According to WP Rugby Group CEO Paul Zacks, the Union is committed to transformation and good governance, and viewed these allegations in a very serious light.
“After an extensive investigation process that saw 29 associated people interviewed and numerous documents reviewed in this matter, we are pleased that the independent enquiry found that there was no foundation to the allegations,” he said.
Zacks said that WP Rugby’s transformation record is a source of pride.
“We are eager to put this matter behind us now so we can continue to focus on exceeding all the transformation objectives outlined in SA Rugby’s Strategic Transformation Plan,” said Zacks.
According to SA Rugby’s most recent Strategic Transformation Plan update, WP Rugby’s track record over the past two years puts them at the forefront of transformation in South African Rugby.
In the 2017 and 2018 Vodacom Super Rugby seasons, the DHL Stormers were more transformed than any other South African franchise, while the same can be said for DHL Western Province in the 2017 and 2018 Currie Cup.
In addition to this, the DHL Western Province U19 and U21 teams and all age-group teams also lead the way in their respective tournaments in terms of transformation. In SA Rugby’s recent report, WP Rugby were found to have exceeded SARU’s transformation targets across all male and female, age-group and senior provincial and SANZAAR Competitions in both 2017 and 2018.
WP Rugby has also achieved transformation off the field compared to other South African Unions, with significant representation among coaches, team management, referees, selectors, board members and administrative staff.
“Despite the favourable findings by the independent investigation in the Paul Treu matter, and the pleasing results in the recent SA Rugby Transformation Report, we cannot rest on our laurels and will continue to work towards proactively improving transformation within the Union as we seek to ensure rugby is a sport for all,” Zacks added.
Marais elected WPRFU President:
At the 27th annual General Council meeting of the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) held at DHL Newlands on Monday, November 26, the General Council voted Zelt Marais in as the new WPRFU President.
With outgoing President Thelo Wakefield stepping down after completing a second term, the former Deputy President Marais was chosen by the clubs to replace him.
Wakefield’s tenure as WPRFU President ran from 2012 until 2018, which is the maximum term of office.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the WPRFU for the last 28 years and especially the last six years as President. I have given my all for this Union and will cherish the memories made during my term of office,” he said.
Marais has served as a WPRFU Executive Committee member for 12 years and was Deputy President of the Union for the last two years.
Moneeb Levy was voted in as Deputy President and Spencer King (unopposed) will be Vice President.
Western Province Rugby Group CEO Paul Zacks thanked Wakefield for his service and welcomed Marais as the new President.
“I would like to thank Thelo Wakefield for his years of service to Western Province Rugby and look forward to forming a close partnership going forward with Zelt Marais as the new President,” he said.
Marais said that he is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead as WPRFU President.
“It is a great honour for me to be voted into this prestigious position and I will give my all to fulfill my mandate from the clubs and lead the WPRFU into the future,” he said.
The WPRFU Executive Committee is as follows:
President: Zelt Marais
Deputy President: Moneeb Levy
Vice President: Spencer King (unopposed)
Additional members:
Peter Jooste
Nadeema Khan
Kevin Kiewietz
Junaid Moerat
Reuben Riffel
Quintin van Rooyen
Mario Williams
Anele Zita
WP Rugby distances itself from proposed salary cut reports:
The leadership of Western Province Rugby has moved to distance themselves from reports of a mooted 25% salary cut for all staff, management and players earning more than R 20 000 a month and related equity participation in the commercial arm of Western Province Rugby.
The proposal, which was tabled by WPRFU Deputy President Zelt Marais, is not the official position of Western Province Rugby and does not have the support of the majority of the WPRFU Executive Committee or the Board.
While there are significant financial challenges in the current landscape, Western Province Rugby’s leadership moved to allay the concerns of staff, players and management as the proposal is not an option that the majority believe will be to the benefit of the Group in the long term.
Western Province Rugby currently has a commercial turnaround strategy in place and remains committed to the process adopted.
Although cash flow remains a challenge for Western Province Rugby and other rugby unions at present, the WPRFU are in the unique position of owning a number of unencumbered, high-value properties, which are intended to be utilised for the financial benefit of the Group.
The intention is to develop these in order to unlock latent value and generate income in perpetuity for the benefit of Western Province Rugby. This strategy seeks to maximise the value of these assets into the future to ensure the financial sustainability and success of the Group.
WPRFU President Mr Thelo Wakefield said that the reported pay cuts do not form part of the current strategy.
“We note the proposal from the WPRFU Deputy President, but wish to emphasise that it remains a proposal that has not been adopted by either the Executive Committee or the Board.
“While we continue to strive for excellence both on and off the field, I would like to assure all staff, players and management that we have no intention of doing so at their expense or welfare.” he said.
Western Province Rugby Group CEO, Paul Zacks, said that the focus of the leadership is to continue making progress with the turnaround strategy.
“It is unfortunate that this proposal has made its way into the public domain, as it certainly does not reflect the position of all our leadership. At no stage has the Board discussed the possibility of offering equity in lieu of any cuts to salary packages.
“We are committed to the current turnaround strategy and to retaining the Group’s ability to attract and reward players and support staff of the highest calibre. By implementing our numerous strategic turnaround initiatives and by making better use of our significant property portfolio, we can ensure that WP Rugby returns to profitability in the near future while enjoying success both on and off the field,” said Zacks.
Ntubeni contracted to WP Rugby until 2019:
Hooker Scarra Ntubeni is contracted with Western Province Rugby until the end of 2019 and the union has no intention of letting him leave before then.
Ntubeni is a stalwart at DHL Newlands, having come to Cape Town after school in 2010, when he attended the Western Province Rugby Institute.
Since then he has developed into an important player who has amassed 52 caps for the DHL Stormers and 64 caps for DHL Western Province.
In that time he has also shown great mental strength to come through some serious injury concerns.
Recent reports suggesting that he is set to leave Western Province Rugby before his contract runs out are not accurate.
Vodacom Super Rugby suspended
