WP / Stormers BACK TO THE FUTURE!

[Chilli]

2 winters in England would have been great for his development,

We are playing permanently now in the UK in the PRO16.

Myself think the only reason for him to move to the Bulls will be to be with his brother. And if Jake offer him lots of money.

Like Jake stated , he can slot in 12 aswell. Good to see Kade doing reasonably well. He have all the skills. His kicking game is the best of all the lot but can distribute, attack and defend well enough. Plus he can cover like Damian 10,12 & 15. He only need experience.

I think more than half of WP's games will still be at home if you think about all the derbies. Time in a different team without all the hype will do him good. Where you are judged on your current level of play, not the good games you had as a youngster.

I'm excited to see what Kade can do.

Von Wolhuter has been pretty good so far. He is a class act.

[Chilli]

He is a much better investment then Swiel who hit his best level below CC.

Agreed, I'm no fan of Swiel. He will do much better at the Cheetahs.

Rancid.

[OomStruisbaai]

Gazza extended his contract with WP for 3 uears. Jammer Jake

[Chilli]

Gazza extended his contract with WP for 3 uears. Jammer Jake

I hope that he blossoms and proves all us who doubt him wrong.

[OomStruisbaai]

All the Bokke sign again except maybe Bongi.

https://www.news24.com/sport/Rugby/bull ... t-20210312

[Chilli]

https://rugby365.com/countries/south-af ... ernal-war/

SPOTLIGHT: Western Province Rugby Football Union officials are presenting a seemingly united front, but it appears nothing could be further from the truth.

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According to a WPRFU statement this past week, Ronald Bantom was ‘duly’ elected as the vice-president at a special general meeting this past Monday.

However, the eulogistic statement did not reflect the apparent caustic nature of the meeting in which clubs and delegates raised several pressing issues.

Sources confirmed to @rugby365com that not only did clubs “raise concerns” about the move to the Cape Town Stadium, but also suggested that the entire process (Bantom’s election) may have been “unconstitutional”.

Another issue causing alarm was the forewarning that SA Rugby could place the union/franchise under administration if the boardroom mess is not resolved.

So heated were some of the exchanges, that Deputy President Moneeb Levy, in Monday’s meeting, accused the executive of being toxic and unable to work together.

The flare-up came when delegates enquired about the decision to recall Levy and Peter Jooste as representatives of the union from the board of the company – Western Province Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd.

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According to @rugby365com‘s sources, Levy confirmed to the meeting that their recall was because some members of the executive weren’t happy with his view on the push to appoint Junaid Moerat as interim CEO of WPPR.

It has since been revealed that President Zelt Marais’ personal assistant Ruben Machelm has been appointed as the ‘interim’ CEO.

Despite the attempts to paint a picture of ‘unity’ – including a recent statement by Bantom that suggested he respects the “decision-makers” in the WP structures and will never put self-interest above the interest of the union – insiders say the meeting revealed three clear factions.

The President (Zelt Marais), Deputy President (Moneeb Levy) and the newly elected vice-president (Ronald Bantom) all have pockets of support of varying sizes.

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The WPRFU, in the wake of the tumultuous meeting, held an emergency executive committee meeting on Saturday.

The ExCo get-together was keen to resolve the deepening chasms between the various factions and prevent SA Rugby from stepping in.

Neither the WPRFU President, Marais, not the WPPR Chairman, Ebrahim Rasool, responded to requests for comment.

Sources revealed that Marais was advised that the voting (for the vacant position of vice-president) could not take place – a position purportedly supported by an attorney in the meeting.

The clubs are apparently also trying to walk back an earlier decision to move to the CT Stadium – with suggestions that the deal has still not been signed off, even though the Stormers hosted the Cheetahs at the Greenpoint-based venue on February 27 in their first match at their new ‘home ground’.

However, given the financial implications, the executive was not keen on walking away from yet another deal in the wake of the fall-out from their 2020 decisions – when they turned their backs on companies like Remgro and Investec, the American consortium MVM, a legal firm and are also trying to divorce from their latest ‘partner’, Flyt.

Clubs would like the franchise to return to Newlands, even though there is the dark cloud of Flyt’s threatening legal action hanging over such a move.

There are concerns about the rent to be paid at the CT Stadium and the cost of nearly 200 new suits that were built at the Greenpoint venue. WPRFU is responsible for 30 percent of the building costs for the suits.

The lack of transparent communication and financial details are other concerns for the clubs.

Given the impact of COVID on the finances of the union (WPRFU) and company (WPPR) – along with the boardroom contretemps – it is not clear how long before they will be so deep into the red that SA Rugby steps in.

No wonder Siya left.

[OomStruisbaai]

https://rugby365.com/countries/south-af ... ernal-war/

SPOTLIGHT: Western Province Rugby Football Union officials are presenting a seemingly united front, but it appears nothing could be further from the truth.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to a WPRFU statement this past week, Ronald Bantom was ‘duly’ elected as the vice-president at a special general meeting this past Monday.

However, the eulogistic statement did not reflect the apparent caustic nature of the meeting in which clubs and delegates raised several pressing issues.

Sources confirmed to @rugby365com that not only did clubs “raise concerns” about the move to the Cape Town Stadium, but also suggested that the entire process (Bantom’s election) may have been “unconstitutional”.

Another issue causing alarm was the forewarning that SA Rugby could place the union/franchise under administration if the boardroom mess is not resolved.

So heated were some of the exchanges, that Deputy President Moneeb Levy, in Monday’s meeting, accused the executive of being toxic and unable to work together.

The flare-up came when delegates enquired about the decision to recall Levy and Peter Jooste as representatives of the union from the board of the company – Western Province Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to @rugby365com‘s sources, Levy confirmed to the meeting that their recall was because some members of the executive weren’t happy with his view on the push to appoint Junaid Moerat as interim CEO of WPPR.

It has since been revealed that President Zelt Marais’ personal assistant Ruben Machelm has been appointed as the ‘interim’ CEO.

Despite the attempts to paint a picture of ‘unity’ – including a recent statement by Bantom that suggested he respects the “decision-makers” in the WP structures and will never put self-interest above the interest of the union – insiders say the meeting revealed three clear factions.

The President (Zelt Marais), Deputy President (Moneeb Levy) and the newly elected vice-president (Ronald Bantom) all have pockets of support of varying sizes.

ADVERTISEMENT

The WPRFU, in the wake of the tumultuous meeting, held an emergency executive committee meeting on Saturday.

The ExCo get-together was keen to resolve the deepening chasms between the various factions and prevent SA Rugby from stepping in.

Neither the WPRFU President, Marais, not the WPPR Chairman, Ebrahim Rasool, responded to requests for comment.

Sources revealed that Marais was advised that the voting (for the vacant position of vice-president) could not take place – a position purportedly supported by an attorney in the meeting.

The clubs are apparently also trying to walk back an earlier decision to move to the CT Stadium – with suggestions that the deal has still not been signed off, even though the Stormers hosted the Cheetahs at the Greenpoint-based venue on February 27 in their first match at their new ‘home ground’.

However, given the financial implications, the executive was not keen on walking away from yet another deal in the wake of the fall-out from their 2020 decisions – when they turned their backs on companies like Remgro and Investec, the American consortium MVM, a legal firm and are also trying to divorce from their latest ‘partner’, Flyt.

Clubs would like the franchise to return to Newlands, even though there is the dark cloud of Flyt’s threatening legal action hanging over such a move.

There are concerns about the rent to be paid at the CT Stadium and the cost of nearly 200 new suits that were built at the Greenpoint venue. WPRFU is responsible for 30 percent of the building costs for the suits.

The lack of transparent communication and financial details are other concerns for the clubs.

Given the impact of COVID on the finances of the union (WPRFU) and company (WPPR) – along with the boardroom contretemps – it is not clear how long before they will be so deep into the red that SA Rugby steps in.

No wonder Siya left.

Was he an executive?

[OomStruisbaai]

Gazza show old school values.

Willemse admitted it was difficult to turn the Bulls down – especially given his relationship with the Rupert family – but he saw Western Province as his home.

‘I have come through the system and I am very happy here,’ Willemse said. ‘I have walked a long road with the coaching team and the management at the union. This is my home and I am happy here.

‘I anticipate that together as a team and coaching team, we can reach new heights. There are still a few things that we will have to tweak and work hard on.

‘I spoke with both parties (WP and the Bulls). I have a good relationship with the coaches and there is a good understanding. I am very happy here.’

[Chilli]

Gazza show old school values.

Willemse admitted it was difficult to turn the Bulls down – especially given his relationship with the Rupert family – but he saw Western Province as his home.

‘I have come through the system and I am very happy here,’ Willemse said. ‘I have walked a long road with the coaching team and the management at the union. This is my home and I am happy here.

‘I anticipate that together as a team and coaching team, we can reach new heights. There are still a few things that we will have to tweak and work hard on.

‘I spoke with both parties (WP and the Bulls). I have a good relationship with the coaches and there is a good understanding. I am very happy here.’

Great to hear.

Now let's hope that it translates to him playing good Rugby.

[OomStruisbaai]

Gazza show old school values.

Willemse admitted it was difficult to turn the Bulls down – especially given his relationship with the Rupert family – but he saw Western Province as his home.

‘I have come through the system and I am very happy here,’ Willemse said. ‘I have walked a long road with the coaching team and the management at the union. This is my home and I am happy here.

‘I anticipate that together as a team and coaching team, we can reach new heights. There are still a few things that we will have to tweak and work hard on.

‘I spoke with both parties (WP and the Bulls). I have a good relationship with the coaches and there is a good understanding. I am very happy here.’

Great to hear.

Now let's hope that it translates to him playing good Rugby.

With Kolisi gone its time for the new generation under Kitshoff. There are still a few old wood to be chopped.

[Chilli]

Gazza show old school values.

Great to hear.

Now let's hope that it translates to him playing good Rugby.

With Kolisi gone its time for the new generation under Kitshoff. There are still a few old wood to be chopped.

It might be just what is needed. Now do the same to the management and Bob's your Uncle!

[Sards]

This has to be the most overhyped player ever in the history of rugby. He has failed 3 seasons in a row and been replaced. He has none of the skills of a 10 and is club level 15. Everyone bitches its the coaches but he stays with Dobson.

[Chilli]

SPOTLIGHT: ‘Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn’t.’

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This idiom – often attributed to Mark Twain, but almost certainly coined by Lord Byron in the satirical poem Don Juan, 1823 – is very apt for the back-channel boardroom skirmishing of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

The reason I use this clichéd expression is the last part: ‘… fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn’t’.

Last month @rugby365com reported that Tony McKeever, the discredited former CEO of the now-defunct Southern Spears, has become a ‘close associate’ of WPRFU President Zelt Marais.

I wondered, out loud, if it was McKeever’s ‘advice’ that resulted in some of the ‘strange’ behaviour of Marais.

Now that McKeever, a man with a history of failed ventures in the game, has gone public with his desire to become Chief Executive of Western Province Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd, I suddenly realised just how ‘strange’ the ‘truth’ is.

It also raised a number of very important and material questions.

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Most of my questions and concerns centre around the entire WPPR CEO saga – which recently saw Junaid Moerat, one of the most prominent members of the WPRFU executive, suspended on the day of his appointment as Interim CEO, for reportedly leaking information about Stade Français to the media.

Given that McKeever, in a media interview to Netwerk24, admitted he is the driving force and the ‘strategic advisor’ in the negotiations between WPRFU and French giants Stade Français, you have to question what his role is and his interest in the entire saga?

Some questions I would like to pose to the WPRFU President Zelt Marais:
* Given that McKeever has now admitted, after weeks of speculation, that he is the ‘driving force’ of the Stade Français negotiations, did he have a mandate to act on behalf of WPRFU? If so, who gave him that mandate?
* Does he have an official/formal position and/or title at WPRFU? (It is asked, because he claimed to act on behalf of WPRFU)
* Was the Board or Executive Committee aware of McKeever’s intricate involvement in the Stade Français deal? Or did McKeever, in his personal capacity, act of his own volition and without a proper mandate? Or was he given ‘permission’ by specific board member(s) to open negotiations?
* Were all the information disclosed or was there a ‘selective’ sharing of the ‘facts’ by senior board members?

That is not the only concerns I have about McKeever’s involvement.

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When the position of CEO was advertised late last month, after the position was vacant for more than a year, I wrote that the wording of the specifications for the position was of some concern to me.

I was contacted by somebody in the HR industry. The person wanted to protect the reputation his industry and I suspect he may be moving very close to people involved in the process.

That is understandable.

However, he was not aware of what was happening in the background and he too would find the ‘truth’ rather strange.

Again, I have some questions for the WPRFU President, Marais, given that it emerged he is the driving force in the suspension of Moerat.

Sunday newspaper Rapport has already denied that Moerat is the source of the infamous Stade Français article that appeared back in January. So, who is this mysterious ‘source’ that linked Moerat to the report? Is this ‘source’ also a strategic advisor to Marais?

* How credible can this “source” be, given the charges were based on what appears to be very spurious evidence?
* Now that McKeever has come out publicly and put his hand up for the CEO position, you have to ask if he was involved in any way in this saga?

I would not be surprised if it turns out that Moerat is being set up. Truth could indeed be stranger than fiction.

We still don’t know why Moerat’s hearing – originally scheduled for March 8 – was postponed. He had a hearing scheduled for last Thursday, of which we are yet to get the outcome of.

Was it perhaps a strategic move to keep that position vacant to allow specific candidates to come to the fore?

It has since been revealed that President Zelt Marais’ personal assistant Ruben Machelm has been appointed as the ‘interim’ CEO.

It has to be kept in mind that the CEO position is for the board of WPPR (the company) and Moerat has been suspended as an executive member of WPRFU. Truth is stranger than fiction.

@rugby365com has been aware for some time that McKeever – who has now admitted his role in the Stade Français negotiations – is a ‘close associate of Marais.

So, for the record, it is worth taking a look at McKeever’s track record in the game.

McKeever was the CEO of the Southern Spears, which folded before playing a game – following his well-documented stand-off with SA Rugby in court. At one stage he was also listed as both CEO and a Director of ‘Super 20 Rugby World Series’ – a venture that has failed to produce a single match or register a single player after it was launched in 2006.

Then there is his role in introducing PRO Rugby (United States) owner Douglas Schoninger to SARU President Mark Alexander, with the view that PRO Rugby would invest in the Eastern Province and Southern Kings teams. However, other than a couple of informal meetings between Schoninger and Alexander in London, nothing came of this ‘proposal either. Schoninger’s PRO Rugby competition in the United States also lasted only one season.

Most recently McKeever was linked to the planned formation of an organisation called Mandela Bay Rugby. Despite placing advertisements for jobs back in 2017, Mandela Bay Rugby never progressed past building a website with no information or details – with only a link to ‘register as a player or a fan.

Those are the facts.

@king365ed
@rugby365com

[handyman]

There are only 3 certainties in life : death, taxes and chilli spreading bad news about WP.

[OomStruisbaai]

There are only 3 certainties in life : death, taxes and chilli spreading bad news about WP.

Supporting Free State, they play the rugby in the board room.

[assfly]

I stopped reading those stories about WP a while ago.

[Chilli]

If only the WP used attack as the strongest point of defense like their supporters do.


I post articles of interest to Rugby supporters.

[assfly]

What is up with PSdT? Shouldn't be be back by now?

[OomStruisbaai]

If only the WP used attack as the strongest point of defense like their supporters do.


I post articles of interest to Rugby supporters.

One would think you should post Cheetah articles the most. But then you'll never troll your own team.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sards are complaining about the amount of Damian Willemse postings you made. He is in need Curwin Bosch articles.

[handyman]

I have grown used to it. We are WP/Stormers, of course people are going to come at us.

It is extremely satisfying to not go down to the same level and to stay classy.

[assfly]

Bongi about to sign with Harlequins.

Will be great to see him pack in between Wilco Louw and Joe Marler.

[handyman]

Bongi about to sign with Harlequins.

Will be great to see him pack in between Wilco Louw and Joe Marler.

Another big loss.

[Chilli]

If only the WP used attack as the strongest point of defense like their supporters do.


I post articles of interest to Rugby supporters.

One would think you should post Cheetah articles the most. But then you'll never troll your own team.

Oom, there's no need to troll the Cheetahs. They do that themselves.

[Chilli]

Looks like PSDT is going to Japan.

[OomStruisbaai]

Bongi about to sign with Harlequins.

Will be great to see him pack in between Wilco Louw and Joe Marler.

Another big loss.

No big loss. He has been useless like Kolisi for WP.

[Chilli]

Bongi about to sign with Harlequins.

Will be great to see him pack in between Wilco Louw and Joe Marler.

Another big loss.

No big loss. He has been useless like Kolisi for WP.

Bring back Ramone Samuel's?

[OomStruisbaai]

What is up with PSdT? Shouldn't be be back by now?

Neus besering

[handyman]

Wonderful story this. And then you get posters trying to drag our union through the mud.

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/stor ... s-20210315

[Lemoentjie]

Bongi about to sign with Harlequins.

Will be great to see him pack in between Wilco Louw and Joe Marler.

How is Esterhuizen doing there? Still soft hands as usual?

[Lemoentjie]

Wonderful story this. And then you get posters trying to drag our union through the mud.

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/stor ... s-20210315

He is such a fighter. 50% chance of leg amputation.

[assfly]

How is Esterhuizen doing there? Still soft hands as usual?

Very well, in my opinion. Interplaying nicely with a very talented young flyhalf, and his defence is outstanding.

[Chilli]

CONTRACT NEWS: The Stormers have managed to retain the services of one of their Springbok hookers.

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Siyabonga Ntubeni has signed a three-year contract extension with Western Province Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd.

The seasoned front row forward has been with WPPR for his entire professional career and will build on over a decade of experience over the next three years.

Having arrived in Cape Town straight out of school in 2010, Ntubeni has since accumulated 76 caps for the Stormers and 73 caps for Western Province.

The all-action hooker, who made his Springbok debut just before the 2019 World Cup, is known for his industrious style on the field and the important role he plays in the team environment off the field.

Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that having a senior player like Ntubeni commit another three years is incredibly valuable for the entire squad.

(Continue below …)
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“Scarra is a player and personality that embodies what we are all about as a squad. He is loyal and passionate about the team, but also plays the game with flair and with a smile on his face,” Dobson said.

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“As a player of considerable skill and experience, he will play an important role in helping develop the next generation of stars over the next three years,” he added.

WPPR Chairman Ebrahim Rasool said that the long-term commitment of players like Ntubeni is the source of encouragement about the future.

“Scarra has never played for another team in his professional career and his continuing loyalty constitutes encouraging feedback for the enabling environment we continue to nurture for all our players,” Rasool said.

“We are intent on building further on that and Scarra’s experience will be invaluable in that regard going forward,” he added.

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Great news for the WP

[OomStruisbaai]

This is a surprise. Thought he'd follow Kolisi to the Sharks. They come a long way since both started at WP as young players and lived together.

[Sards]

This is a surprise. Thought he'd follow Kolisi to the Sharks. They come a long way since both started at WP as young players and lived together.

Rumour has it he has bought a farm and every morning he throws balls at his barn door...in the hope of one day hitting it

[Chilli]

This is a surprise. Thought he'd follow Kolisi to the Sharks. They come a long way since both started at WP as young players and lived together.

Rumour has it he has bought a farm and every morning he throws balls at his barn door...in the hope of one day hitting it

[Chilli]

DEVELOPING NEWS: Suspended Western Province Rugby Football Union executive member Junaid Moerat has launched a scathing attack on President Zelt Marais and one of his close confidants, Tony McKeever.

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Moerat, one of the most prominent members of the WPRFU executive, was recently suspended – on the day of his appointment as Interim Chief Executive of Western Province Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd.

That position has since been handed to Ruben Machelm, a personal assistant and close confidant of the President, Marais.

Moerat, in a letter to the ‘internal stakeholders’ of the WPRFU, finally broke his silence on the bizarre and contentious events of the past month.

His hearing has since been postponed, twice, without any explanation from Marais – the complainant in the case.

He stands accused of leaking information about a proposed agreement between WPRFU and French giants Stade Français to the media.

Moerat launched the stinging attack in the letter, distributed to clubs and stakeholders, in an attempt to clear his name.

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He said the charge against him is an ‘injustice’ and accused Marais of ‘blackening’ his name and ‘misusing his office’ to defame Moerat in public.

“The evidence presented at the pre-hearing shows clearly that the suspension and charge were manufactured to specifically prevent the board from implementing the decision to appoint me as interim CEO,” Moerat said in his letter.

He also put the discredited former CEO of the now-defunct Southern Spears, McKeever, at the heart of what he labelled a ‘trumped-up charge’.

According to Moerat’s letter, McKeever was the author of a ‘draft media statement’ that was the source of the media ‘leaks’ for which he was suspended.

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“The President [Marais] had both the McKeever media statement and the Rapport [newspaper] article for several weeks,” Moerat’s letter states – adding that it clearly shows where the leak could have emanated from.

“It is my opinion that Mr Marais misrepresented himself to the executive committee as well as the Board and withheld crucial information from them relating to the Stade Francais leak,” the Moerat letter said.

“The President continues to use union structures and resources to propagate this injustice against me and by extension against the union – in whose best interest he is supposed to serve,” the letter says.

@king365ed
@rugby365com

Please don't shoot the messenger Oom.

[OomStruisbaai]

The Preparation matches have been great for the Stormers. It show life after Kolisi and not doom and gloom like most here predicted.

Positives:
Fatties:
We are blessed with them. Our B frontrow can compete with best. In fact they can dominate.

Locks:
Moerat improved. JD is always top class and the Boishaai langeraat is average.

Loose forwards.
To many. I d like to see Evan Roos getting more exposure van Rhyn is a bit overrated but will be the right PSdT substitute. The Grey 6 is average and Trokkie is fine in 8. All of them are inexperienced.

Kade Wolhuter settled nicely in 10. He show his kicking abilities. Add to that his distribution is very good. The Stormers backline look much better.

Paul de Wet took his chance last night as Hershelle Jantjies backup.

Zas look also played well last night. Loved that bus is full try.

Our Bok players are kept in cottonwool

That comeback at the end showed character and the ball in hand gameplan we should play.

Our defense was very good at times in the second half.

[Chilli]

The Preparation matches have been great for the Stormers. It show life after Kolisi and not doom and gloom like most here predicted.

Positives:
Fatties:
We are blessed with them. Our B frontrow can compete with best. In fact they can dominate.

Locks:
Moerat improved. JD is always top class and the Boishaai langeraat is average.

Loose forwards.
To many. I d like to see Evan Roos getting more exposure van Rhyn is a bit overrated but will be the right PSdT substitute. The Grey 6 is average and Trokkie is fine in 8. All of them are inexperienced.

Kade Wolhuter settled nicely in 10. He show his kicking abilities. Add to that his distribution is very good. The Stormers backline look much better.

Paul de Wet took his chance last night as Hershelle Jantjies backup.

Zas look also played well last night. Loved that bus is full try.

Our Bok players are kept in cottonwool

That comeback at the end showed character and the ball in hand gameplan we should play.

Our defense was very good at times in the second half.

The on-field future looks bight for the WP.

[Chilli]

UPDATE: The Western Province Rugby Football Union’s off-field and boardroom drama just got elevated to the next level.

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Dream World Investments – an associated company within the Flyt Group – on Friday filed formal papers on WPRFU in the Western Cape High Court to recover a loan amount of ZAR112-million.

This came on the same day that a letter emerged in which suspended WPRFU executive member Junaid Moerat launched a scathing attack on President Zelt Marais and one of his close confidants, Tony McKeever.

Zane de Decker, the Chief Executive Officer of Flyt Property Investment, confirmed to @rugby365com that Dreamworld filed papers to reclaim their money from WPRFU.

The latest divorce in the WPRFU boardroom follows the decision in June last year when the union’s council – made up of all 90-plus clubs – decided to back President Zelt Marais to walk away from previous deals with Remgro and Investec and accept the ZAR112-million loan from Dreamworld to repay two loans to the former companies.

At the time Marais, in a media release, called the agreement with Flyt ‘the deal of the century’.

However, for the third time in 2020, the WPRFU looked to walk away from a signed deal with a benefactor and now find themselves in what is likely to become a drawn-out and costly court battle.

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De Decker told @rugby365com that the Dreamworld claim is for the initial loan amount (ZAR112-million), plus interest thereon, a raising fee of ZAR1,265-million and damages of ZAR30,156,585 (the development charge).

The interest on the loan amount is already approaching ZAR3-million.

The WPRFU President, Marais, said they are aware of the summons and said “it will be defended” by its legal team.

“We will be filing the appropriate response,” Marais told this website, in response to the latest developments.

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“The union elects not to make any further comment at this stage.

“Its defence will be pleaded in due course.”

De Decker said Friday’s summons was issued by Dreamworld for the above amounts.

He added: “Flyt is also considering its position and is likely to take legal action to recover damages suffered as a result of WPRFU’s repudiation.”

With the Flyt Group still holding bonds on the various WPRFU properties as security, the union now finds itself in a vulnerable position.

De Decker added that the loan was repayable the moment WPRFU changed legal council and decided to walk away from the Flyt/Dreamworld deal.

“With the repudiation [of the deal in December], the union should have already paid back the money, but has not,” De Decker said.

“The deadlines for payment has in fact passed.

“If payment is not made before then, the court will hand down judgment in the legal proceedings,” he said of the option that WPRFU could avoid the judgement against them by just repaying the amounts.

However, according to Marais’ response, it is unlikely they will repay and would rather engage in a costly legal battle.

The possibility of this legal stand-off was first raised when WPRFU’s new legal council (Korbers Inc) wrote to Flyt back in November, claiming that the fact that Dreamworld put up the cash (and not Flyt) makes the WPRFU agreement null-and-void.

The new legal council also claim that the agreement is not valid because the properties were “undervalued”.

This is disputed by De Decker in a media release he issued back on December 10.

“It is important to point out that the land value agreed on was proposed by the WPRFU, not the Flyt Group,” De Decker said in his media release.

“This value has subsequently been incorporated into the Newlands and Brookside DevCo’s that are co-owned by the WPRFU and the Flyt Group.

“To demand that the price be increased six months after the deal has been concluded is simply outrageous.”

@king365ed
@rugby365com