It is a 'boardroom war' at Newlands

By Jan de Koning

Saturday 20 Feb 2021

UPDATE: The Western Province Rugby Football Union boardroom saga took a bizarre new twist this week and fractious President Zelt Marais is again at the centre of the drama.

Junaid Moerat, one of the most prominent members of the WPRFU executive, has been suspended.

However, details and reasons for the 'suspension' remain unclear.

"I have been advised not to comment at this stage," Moerat told @rugby365com on Saturday.

"My legal team is looking into the matter," he added.

Marais, at the time of publishing this article, has not responded to a request for comment.

His reaction will be added if/when available.

Earlier reports suggest that Moerat stands accused of 'leaking information to the media'.

Moerat was, reportedly, set to be unveiled as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the WP Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd this past week.

However, according to the Cape Town media, Marais suspended Moerat on the same day that his appointment to the board of WPPR was to be announced.

Moerat is now set to face a disciplinary hearing, reportedly on March 4.

This has caused a storm that could result in Marais being removed as President at a Special General Meeting on March 8 - when clubs plan to bring a 'vote of no confidence' in Marais.

However, currently, the only points on the agenda for the meeting are:

* Move to the Cape Town Stadium

* Finances

* Election of the vice-president

The position of vice-president became vacant when Spencer King resigned late last year.

The March 8 meeting will be the first general meeting of the WPRFU constituents this year.

If the clubs garner enough support, the 'vote of no confidence' could be added.

The latest fall-out follows the dramatic statement last week, when Marais was forced to backtrack on his verbalism regarding the infamous Newlands saga and all other WPRFU negotiations.

Marais recently had a virtual interview with @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman.

In the broad-gauged interview, Marais addressed everything from 'fake news' in the media, the 'inconsistent' performances of the Stormers/WP team, the Remgro/Investec saga, the ongoing fight with Flyt and the move to the Cape Town Stadium.

However, following a meeting between Marais and the Board of Western Province Professional Rugby (WPPR), the President has been advised to withdraw his comments.

@king365ed

@rugby365com