SA Rugby has invoked its constitutional power and taken administrative control of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.
That’s following a decision by SA Rugby’s Executive Council.
Experienced former SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has been appointed as an administrator and will assume oversight of the union’s affairs immediately. His remit includes supervision of the operational affairs of Western Province (Pty) Ltd, which manages the professional playing teams of the DHL Stormers and Western Province.
“We had engaged with the WPRFU over a number of months on the challenges the organisation faced and tried to assist them in finding solutions,” said Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby. “We attempted to partner in a joint oversight committee, but were frustrated in our attempts to receive accurate information and engage constructively. However, the union has regressed in its attempts to extricate itself from those challenges and we could no longer stand by. This is very much the last resort, but it had become apparent that the union’s leadership was incapable of putting in place the actions to regularize its position. Several of the union’s stakeholders have contacted our offices to express their dismay and we are aware of the public alarm.”
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Alexander said that all stakeholders – the union’s commercial partners, broadcaster, coaching staff, players’ union and Vodacom United Rugby Championship partners – had been advised of the decision.
He assured supporters that the appointment of an administrator was to stabilise the union’s governance and operational business and was not to have any direct influence on DHL Stormers affairs.
“Clause 29 gives us the authority to remain in administration until the union’s affairs are stabilised,” said Alexander. “It is not possible right now to put a timeline to that – although it is our intention and desire to make this process as short-lived as possible.”