Official United Rugby Championship thread

[Sards]

I barely post here you old tart

[assfly]

There is poaching and then there's raiding.
The former I am fine with. It's part of Professional rugby.
By all means buy one or two big name players every season; be it a young prospect, a player in his prime or an experienced veteran.
That's pro-rugby in SA.

The latter is just annoying. The Sharks got their moneybags and just started raiding...local teams, international teams, coaches, administrators.
People don't like it when opposition teams try to buy themself a championship team. This is not new, not limited to the $harks, and not limited to rugby either.

Is some of it envy? Sure, I'll admit to that.
But if you are going to walk around swinging your dick everywhere, don't act all surprised when others enjoy watching when you get it caught in a revolving door.

It also doesn't help that Roc Nation and MVM Holdings are looking to turn SA Rugby into the NBA.
The $harks money seems to come with an agenda that many of us think will be detrimental to the Springboks in the long term.
An additional incentive for us to want to see this experiment fail.

Fair enough. Thanks for taking the time to explain it. I thought it was all because of Sards

The $harks have had a massive injection of money. They're going to spend it. Otherwise, what's the point?

In my opinion, it's not poaching or raiding. It's professional rugby. Nobody holds a gun to the players' heads. The $harks have been doing this long before Roc Nation arrived, and I'm proud of how many players they have been able to help become Springboks, or help get great contracts overseas.

Apart from Siya and Eben, we haven't made any serious marquee signings. Our three international signings are hardly superstars, I always suspected the Samoan would be a mistake but I do like Tapuai. The most important one so far is Neil Powell, but again there was a high chance he would have left 7s for a SA coaching gig anyway. If you look at our URC and CC squads, there is still a strong local flavour, with the usual sprinkling of Free Staters most of whom signed before MVM got involved.

I'm always amazed at how the Bulls have escaped criticism. They have had a similar injection of money, and spent an absolute fortune on bringing old white players back from overseas at the expense of local talent, only for many of them to leave after a season or two. On top of that, they have an arrogant coach in White and have very little to show for their spending. But I will still support them for the greater good of the Springboks.

Marco Masotti was always going to rub SA fans up the wrong way. But if all he achieves is making the local game a bit more professional in how it's run and branded, them I'm happy as it's much needed.

I don't understand how you can call this an experiment, not sure what is experimental about a team having an investment. If things turned out differently, MVM could have been investing in the Stormers and they would be doing exactly the same things.

But anyway, that's my two rands worth. Try not get too angry watching them play.

[Sards]

Blake grew up a Blue Bulls supporter. That's his natural team. He is an adopted Stormers

To the rugby. It really sucks these rain filled games. And more like torrential downpours.

But the boys need to deal with it and no excuses

[Chilli]

Sjoe, sometimes things are taken waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to seriously.

The simple answer could just have been because of $ards!

[assfly]

The simple answer could just have been because of $ards!

That's the answer I was expecting

[Chilli]

The simple answer could just have been because of $ards!

That's the answer I was expecting

We all were

Despite $ards, I really hope that the $harks play to their potential and SMASH the Dragons.

But it might rain, and it might be humid.................................

[OomStruisbaai]

Well I support all our teams and hope they win. I am worried about this weekend specially the Bulls and Lions. Hope they stuck in.

[Chilli]

Well I support all our teams and hope they win. I am worried about this weekend specially the Bulls and Lions. Hope they stuck in.

We need the Lions and Bulls to win to keep Edinburgh & Ulster at bay.

Stomps & $harks should win easily.

[OomStruisbaai]

Kitshoff vs his Paul Roos pal Tom Botha will be interesting. Tom's mum work at Maties.

[Biffer]

Well I support all our teams and hope they win. I am worried about this weekend specially the Bulls and Lions. Hope they stuck in.

We need the Lions and Bulls to win to keep Edinburgh & Ulster at bay.

Stomps & $harks should win easily.

Keep them at bay? They’re ahead of you. You need them to win to give you a chance. With Leinster and Glasgow still to visit, plus games against each other, I doubt the safer teams are getting much higher in the table.

[Chilli]

Well I support all our teams and hope they win. I am worried about this weekend specially the Bulls and Lions. Hope they stuck in.

We need the Lions and Bulls to win to keep Edinburgh & Ulster at bay.

Stomps & $harks should win easily.

Keep them at bay? They’re ahead of you. You need them to win to give you a chance. With Leinster and Glasgow still to visit, plus games against each other, I doubt the safer teams are getting much higher in the table.

Playing at Ellis Park and Loftus ain't as easy as playing at Kings Park.

[weegie01]

Playing at Ellis Park and Loftus ain't as easy as playing at Kings Park.

In what way? If you mean conditions, having lived in Jo'burg and visited Durban many times I'd say the conditions at Ellis Park will be easier than the heat and humidity of Durban.

As a complete aside, 35 years I lived in Gordon Terrace about 1/2 km from the stadium. We were three middle class professionals. I gather that would not be happening now.

[Sards]

Playing at Ellis Park and Loftus ain't as easy as playing at Kings Park.

In what way? If you mean conditions, having lived in Jo'burg and visited Durban many times I'd say the conditions at Ellis Park will be easier than the heat and humidity of Durban.

As a complete aside, 35 years I lived in Gordon Terrace about 1/2 km from the stadium. We were three middle class professionals. I gather that would not be happening now.

If Edinburgh play like they did this past weekend they will win....

Altho the Bulls were pumped last outing....like the boys had munched on poppers pre match

[OomStruisbaai]

Sards EdinBokke play against the Lions, you stupid tool.

[Sards]

Sards EdinBokke play against the Lions, you stupid tool.

I a really out the loop.....too much going on in my life..

Good luck Lions

[OomStruisbaai]

The Lions defense has been solid in the last few weeks. That's their biggest problem against Saffer teams. Mossie has been working hard

[OomStruisbaai]

Although the Stormers don't have money, they want the faithfull back with tickets of R50.

http://thestormers.com/watch-the-dhl-st ... -just-r50/

[Blake]

Marco Masotti was always going to rub SA fans up the wrong way. But if all he achieves is making the local game a bit more professional in how it's run and branded, them I'm happy as it's much needed.

I don't understand how you can call this an experiment, not sure what is experimental about a team having an investment. If things turned out differently, MVM could have been investing in the Stormers and they would be doing exactly the same things.

If that had come to pass, I would have been very conflicted, trust me.

On the one hand, yes, it would have been nice for all that money to get WP out of trouble, BUT...WP has had money before and squandered it so it's probably not a bad thing. WP Rugby needs to restructure and reform this current pain we are feeling is part of the process. A massive cash injection would have papered over the cracks for another 5-10 years, so it's probably for the best.

My real beef with Roc Nation and MVM Holdings is their reported desire to upend the current pyramid in rugby where the national team is at the top, the clubs/unions are in service to the national team and the players are "employees". They see an opportunity to transform rugby into something like the NBA, where the players maximise their exposure by building big online followings, sell that to Unions/Clubs as part of their contract, and possibly not really even care about the international tier of the sport at all...except many in World Cup years.

Will it transform SA rugby into something more professional? Possibly.
But my concern is more about the impact of this model on the internationals and the Springboks.
I'm not a fan of inverting the pyramid that serves the Springboks in order to enrich some Investors and Jay-Z.

[Sards Conscience]

Sards EdinBokke play against the Lions, you stupid tool.

I a really out the loop.....too much going on in my life..

Good luck Lions

Next time you want to say something just run it through me first OK.

[Blake]

Although the Stormers don't have money, they want the faithfull back with tickets of R50.

http://thestormers.com/watch-the-dhl-st ... -just-r50/

These fucking naming rights need to be reigned in.

In a once-off special offer there are 2000 Category D tickets for the DHL Stormers’ clash with Ospreys at DHL Stadium on Saturday available for just R50 each from Ticketpro.

With stadiums in South Africa allowed 50% capacity, we want to see as many of the Faithful bringing the gees in the stands at DHL Stadium this weekend as the DHL Stormers aim for their fifth consecutive home win in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Where the fuck is DHL Stadium? Is it Newlands or Cape Town Stadium?

I fucking cringe every time the commentators need to cram a sponsor name in when referring to a SA team and the fact that the team logos can't even be displayed without the sponsor's branding on it. Why are we the only country that has to put up with this shit?

Plaster your logo on the jersey and stadium all you like, but don't expect me to support your brand when you completely high-jack my team. I don't care how much money you paid for it. </rant>

[Sards]

Sards EdinBokke play against the Lions, you stupid tool.

I a really out the loop.....too much going on in my life..

Good luck Lions

Next time you want to say something just run it through me first OK.

Love it

[Sards]

Although the Stormers don't have money, they want the faithfull back with tickets of R50.

http://thestormers.com/watch-the-dhl-st ... -just-r50/

These fucking naming rights need to be reigned in.

In a once-off special offer there are 2000 Category D tickets for the DHL Stormers’ clash with Ospreys at DHL Stadium on Saturday available for just R50 each from Ticketpro.

With stadiums in South Africa allowed 50% capacity, we want to see as many of the Faithful bringing the gees in the stands at DHL Stadium this weekend as the DHL Stormers aim for their fifth consecutive home win in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Where the fuck is DHL Stadium? Is it Newlands or Cape Town Stadium?

I fucking cringe every time the commentators need to cram a sponsor name in when referring to a SA team and the fact that the team logos can't even be displayed without the sponsor's branding on it. Why are we the only country that has to put up with this shit?

Plaster your logo on the jersey and stadium all you like, but don't expect me to support your brand when you completely high-jack my team. I don't care how much money you paid for it. </rant>

Some people are stuck in the amateur era. I would never expect this from a youngster. Tik tok, fortnite, roblocks etc. Perfect dude.....its all about advertising. Otherwise noone would be the major sponsor that pays the salaries of the players and staff. Maintains the ground and petty cash and expenses for the executive. It all comes at a price. It's still the Stormers


It means absolutely vokkol and not worth having a hernia over

Newlands is going to be chopped up soon. ( although I am sad to lose a monument to our rugby industry....that place was way past its due date. A stinky place. Last time I went even the passageways to the suites smelt of old piss , vomit and booze...standards didn't exist. Sponsor's were pulling out of suites because it was becoming like that shit hole mall that was the perfect place to take clients, before it became like a shit hole and all the major brands pulled their shops.

Big backhanders still waiting to be paid over the Newlands sale. Looking forward to watching that soap drama unfold. Marais must be sweating bullets. Something is going to be uncovered linked to him. He has become bolder lately. Probably thinks he has covered his tracks and can't find anything

It's time to move on lad.

[Sards]

Aaaarrggghhhh..going to miss the Bulls game
For me it's going to be a good match.
Damn......must remember to take a modem to the cricket.

[average joe]

Although the Stormers don't have money, they want the faithfull back with tickets of R50.

http://thestormers.com/watch-the-dhl-st ... -just-r50/

These fucking naming rights need to be reigned in.

In a once-off special offer there are 2000 Category D tickets for the DHL Stormers’ clash with Ospreys at DHL Stadium on Saturday available for just R50 each from Ticketpro.

With stadiums in South Africa allowed 50% capacity, we want to see as many of the Faithful bringing the gees in the stands at DHL Stadium this weekend as the DHL Stormers aim for their fifth consecutive home win in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Where the fuck is DHL Stadium? Is it Newlands or Cape Town Stadium?

I fucking cringe every time the commentators need to cram a sponsor name in when referring to a SA team and the fact that the team logos can't even be displayed without the sponsor's branding on it. Why are we the only country that has to put up with this shit?

Plaster your logo on the jersey and stadium all you like, but don't expect me to support your brand when you completely high-jack my team. I don't care how much money you paid for it. </rant>

How would this even work with Cape Town stadium? I mean I get that Newlands belonged to WPRU and they could sell the naming rights to whom ever they wanted to but as far as I know Cape Town stadium belongs to the City of Cape Town.

[Blake]

How would this even work with Cape Town stadium? I mean I get that Newlands belonged to WPRU and they could sell the naming rights to whom ever they wanted to but as far as I know Cape Town stadium belongs to the City of Cape Town.

Exactly. WPRU and the Stormers rent it from the City I believe so they don't own the stadium in order to sell the naming rights.
So is the match against the Osprays at DHL Newlands? Or at Cape Town Stadium? Or are they trying to sneakily rename Cape Town Stadium and hoping nobody will notice?

Anyway, back to my point...named sponsors, be it for the stadium or team, are tacky.
It undermines the history of the team and their stadiums.

[OomStruisbaai]

WP obvious have naming rights in their rental agreement with the City of Cape Town. Can't be to difficult to understand this.

[average joe]

WP obvious have naming rights in their rental agreement with the City of Cape Town. Can't be to difficult to understand this.

Um, so what happens when Cape Town Spurs or Cape Town City play there? Or did they also sell their souls to DHL.

[OomStruisbaai]

WP obvious have naming rights in their rental agreement with the City of Cape Town. Can't be to difficult to understand this.

Um, so what happens when Cape Town Spurs or Cape Town City play there? Or did they also sell their souls to DHL.

Different rental agreement (no Stadium name in agreement) with Cape Town City. Just Cape Town Stadium.

[Blake]

WP obvious have naming rights in their rental agreement with the City of Cape Town. Can't be to difficult to understand this.

Um, so what happens when Cape Town Spurs or Cape Town City play there? Or did they also sell their souls to DHL.

It looks like Cape Town Stadium is only called "DHL Stadium" in WP/Stormers press releases.
That's not needlessly confusing at all. Fuck DHL. I haven't bought any supporters jerseys in a decade - not because we were kak, but because I didn't want that hideous yellow banner on my chest.

[average joe]

WP obvious have naming rights in their rental agreement with the City of Cape Town. Can't be to difficult to understand this.

Um, so what happens when Cape Town Spurs or Cape Town City play there? Or did they also sell their souls to DHL.

Different rental agreement (no Stadium name in agreement) with Cape Town City. Just Cape Town Stadium.

and you cant then have huge permanent DHL stickers all over the stadium. Making it not DHL stadium but just Cape Town stadium.

[average joe]

I don't think you can have naming rights in a rental contract when others have access to the same stadium oom. The whole point of naming a stadium is they get a huge fokon permanent billboard to advertise their brand. You cant do that unless the other tenants agree to give them free advertising time during their game. Surly those other tenants have their own sponsors that would like to do the same?

[OomStruisbaai]

I don't think you can have naming rights in a rental contract when others have access to the same stadium oom. The whole point of naming a stadium is they get a huge fokon permanent billboard to advertise their brand. You cant do that unless the other tenants agree to give them free advertising time during their game. Surly those other tenants have their own sponsors that would like to do the same?

You have to remember the city of Cape Town struggled for ages to get rugby on board. So it's part of their agreement.

[average joe]

Apologies oom, apparently you are right and I'm wrong.

https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/ca ... b50442c413

[OomStruisbaai]

Apologies oom, apparently you are right and I'm wrong.

https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/ca ... b50442c413

[bok_viking]

It looks like the Jake White Promotion for the Bulls is working, quite a few of the blocks in the stadium is already sold out or nearly sold out, Apart from behind the posts where it is cheapest. So they might have a decent crowd on Saturday

[assfly]

My real beef with Roc Nation and MVM Holdings is their reported desire to upend the current pyramid in rugby where the national team is at the top, the clubs/unions are in service to the national team and the players are "employees". They see an opportunity to transform rugby into something like the NBA, where the players maximise their exposure by building big online followings, sell that to Unions/Clubs as part of their contract, and possibly not really even care about the international tier of the sport at all...except many in World Cup years.

Will it transform SA rugby into something more professional? Possibly.
But my concern is more about the impact of this model on the internationals and the Springboks.
I'm not a fan of inverting the pyramid that serves the Springboks in order to enrich some Investors and Jay-Z.

MVM Holdings and Roc Nation bring different things to the table though. My understanding of Roc Nation is focusing more on player branding, to give the players good management that will allow for careers after the sport, like what Beast is now doing. At least Masotti has a historical connection to KZN and is a long term Sharks fan.

When I heard him being interviewed a few months ago, his comparison with the NBA had more to do with the entire league being professionally run and profitable, rather than the league superseding the national team. The rugby heritage in South Africa wouldn't allow that to happen even if he wanted to. Besides, any team with Bosch at 10 is hardly setting up a dynasty to topple the Springboks.

[OomStruisbaai]

Didn't this American lot also show interest in the All Blacks aswell? Then got rejected.

[assfly]

Didn't this American lot also show interest in the All Blacks aswell? Then got rejected.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/ ... quity-deal

But Ardie Savea did sign with Roc Nation last year.

[OomStruisbaai]

Didn't this American lot also show interest in the All Blacks aswell? Then got rejected.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/ ... quity-deal

But Ardie Savea did sign with Roc Nation last year.

Think it was the NZRU. Maybe I am wrong.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sorry was Silver Lake.