Redrawing the Sport Boundaries in South Africa

The current debate in South African rugby raises the question: Why is rugby, and probably many other sporting codes, still administered according to the old era boundaries? Why is there three administrations for rugby in the Western Cape, i.e. Western Province, Boland and South Western Districts instead of one administration? Why is rugby in the Eastern Cape not administered by one union instead of two, with sub-districts according to the district boundaries? The boundaries of the three administrations in Gauteng, i.e. Vaal Triangle, Central Gauteng (i.e. the Lions) and Northern Gauteng (Blue Bulls) are still based on the old apartheid era boundaries. Why not just have one administration with sub-districts based on metro and district boundaries?

Those in power of these unions don’t want to change for fear of losing their power, with their arguments centered on the rich history, culture and traditions of these unions which would be lost in the process. In the process, they retain their power, the old era culture and traditions of selectivity and exclusion, thereby ensuring rugby stays mostly White. But it is time to create new history, new traditions and new rugby culture that is in line with the new South Africa. It would support the integration of “Black” and “White” school and amateur rugby in each province. Furthermore, it may help address the sustainability and transformation issues of professional rugby in South Africa. The chaos of having 14, then 6, then 14 teams in the Currie Cup in the last three years, as well as the current impasse on the selection of the five Super 14 teams, are clearly signs for change which we should grab with both arms.

My suggestion: Let us have one professional team per province, with the possibility that Gauteng can have two. Until they are strong enough, my suggestion is that Limpopo be incorporated into either Mpumalanga or the second Gauteng team. There would thus be 9 professional teams. Let them compete for the Currie Cup, with the top 5 teams qualifying to play in the Super 14. Drop the Vodacom Cup that nobody really cares about, and allow the 5 teams to contract players from the other 4 unions for their Super 14 campaigns. I believe this would be advantageous for ensuring sponsors spread their monies to all 9 franchises since there is always a chance for their team to qualify for the more prestigious Super 14. There are many more advantages for such a structure, which, but for space, I would list here.

I could then proudly support my Eastern Cape team in the Currie Cup, and hopefully in the Super 14, if and when they qualify and not be “forced” to support the Stormers, Sharks or Blue Bulls, none of which I support, nor do they care about my support anyway.

It is time the leaders of rugby administration took the bald step and ensure that South African rugby become fully part of the new South Africa and ensure the long term sustainability of rugby in a multicultural South African society. The new cricket franchise system has shown that this could be done.