Stormers players meet with WP Rugby bosses
NEWS: Stormers players met with senior WP Rugby officials on Monday to discuss the way forward ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby campaign and beyond.
The meeting took place to address concerns following reports that Western Province Football Union President Zelt Marais wants Paul Treu to replace Gert Smal as Director of Rugby.
According to reports, sponsor DHL had given WPRFU officials an ‘ultimatum’ that they remove Paul Treu from the system or it may pull out as a sponsor.
It was also reported that Stormers players had an ’emergency meeting’ on Sunday – chaired by captain Siya Kolisi – with suggestions that the players are so unhappy they have not ruled out’ going on strike.
On Monday, Marais dismissed rumours of a looming player strike as “unfounded”.
“I have no knowledge of any threats by DHL to withdraw or a [looming] player strike,” Marais told @rugby365com.
“There are a lot of unfounded statements in the media,” the WPRFU boss added.
In a statement from the union on Tuesday, WP Rugby said the Stormers players did not meet on Sunday, as reported, and attended the meeting on Monday at the invitation of leadership of Western Province Rugby.
The meeting was attended by Marais, deputy president Moneeb Levy and CEO Paul Zacks.
Western Province Rugby Group CEO Paul Zacks said that the immediate focus remains the 2019 Super Rugby campaign and ensuring that the Stormers are as well prepared as possible to take on the challenges ahead.
"The meeting between senior leadership of Western Province Rugby and DHL Stormers players on Monday was constructive and it is encouraging as we are all committed to the future wellbeing of our professional teams.
"While it is unfortunate that there was some misinformation in the public domain, we are confident of making meaningful progress to ensure that the DHL Stormers and team management have the best chance of success in the 2019 season and beyond," he said.
Zacks added that, contrary to some media reports, Western Province Rugby has the full backing of all major sponsors.
"We have got incredible sponsors who have stood together with us through thick and thin without exception.
"Given the quality, depth and experience in our current playing squad we are excited about what we can achieve this season and are all looking forward to what the possibilities are for the Stormers in 2019," he said.
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