SA RUGBY SAYS NO FILE. Picture: The proposal did not manage the 10 votes out of the 13 SA rugby unions needed to approve the move. Only seven member unions voted in favour of the proposal. Phill Magakoe / AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe
The SA Rugby Union (Saru) on Friday confirmed it had rejected a proposal of a private equity deal worth R1.3 billion for South African rugby’s commercial rights.
The proposal did not manage the 10 votes out of the 13 SA rugby unions needed to approve the move. Only seven member unions voted in favour of the proposal.
Saru, however, did specify that Ackerley Sports Group (ASG) would still be the preferred bidder and will have the right to make a new offer by the end of the month if the two bodies are to come to an agreement.
Saru president Mark Alexander said: “The input and perspectives shared by our members have been invaluable, and we respect those perspectives.
“Our goal remains to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for South African Rugby, ensuring that we continue to grow and succeed on both the national and international stages.
“We remain committed to working transparently and inclusively as we navigate this process. We thank our members for their engagement and feedback and look forward to presenting revised proposals that reflect our collective vision and goals in due course.”
If the vote was passed ASG would have taken control of the commercial rights of the Springboks.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) firmly opposed the proposed deal saying it was “appalled by SARU's decision to sell 20% of the commercial rights of the Springboks for R1.3 billion”.
Also During the Saru meeting held on Friday, Mary-Ann Musekiwa – a member of the Executive Council - was elected as a female representative of the World Rugby general council.
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