EP’s relationship with SA Rugby ‘at all-time high’

EP’s relationship with SA Rugby is at an all-time high and everyone is working harmoniously to restore the union’s pride and transform it into a force to be reckoned with, the union’s president, George Malgas, says.

Elected to the top job in November, Malgas said EP had mended its bridges with the mother body and integrity had been restored as the Eastern Cape bids to return to the top-flight Currie Cup Premier Division.

After former president Maasdorp Cannon was suspended by SA Rugby for calling it a racist organisation in 2023, relations between EP and the mother body became strained.

Malgas, however, has assured EP supporters that better days lie ahead for the union.

“I was at a meeting where it was said that change is good, but change can take you backwards before it takes you forwards,” he said.

“At this stage, there is no time to take a step backwards and we need to forge ahead with relationships that we have built.

“I have openly declared that our relationship with SA Rugby is at an all-time high.

“It has not been as high as this for many years.

“We are acknowledged by SA Rugby; we consult with them and we are working together to take EP forward.

“The fact that we are in talks to host the Rugby Championship U20 championship in Gqeberha in 2025 is a strong indication we have mended our bridges with SA Rugby.

“We have always had good open discussions with them.

“I have access to the top structure of SA Rugby at any time and they are willing to assist and mentor.

“I have received messages of congratulation from them where they have indicated they are behind me and will support me and they are looking forward to seeing EP take its rightful place in SA Rugby.

“In my view, this is already a shift compared with what the relationship was in the past.

“Let us put the past behind us and move forward for the best interests of the region.

“This is the stability that my team brings to the union.

“It brings confidence in the fact that there is a proven track record and that is what builds confidence with any organisation.

“In going forward there is continuity and confidence.

“I have no doubt that my team will succeed in the vision of our organisation.

“They proved themselves as stable people with integrity.

They are honest and transparent and are willing to go the extra mile.

“Not for themselves, but for the interests of EP Rugby.

“On top of that, I can put it to you that we have committed to ensure that EP Rugby is taken to a new level.

“Most of our successes were achieved in the past few months in the midst of turmoil.

“I don’t have to rehash the history of EP going to court and being dragged to court.

“Our brand was basically destroyed but we managed to build it up.

“In the midst of all of that Mr Phillip Joseph (club affairs) with all his hard work, and with others, managed to secure a club sponsorship when Score Energy Drink came on board.

“Score’s involvement with EP rugby was quantified at about R1.4m for the past season.

“As we sit, I can tell you Score is willing to more than double its involvement with EP rugby.

“We just need to sit down and dot the i’s and cross the t’s and Score will become more involved with rugby.

“Score sponsored the 36 clubs in the Top Tier Grand Challenge and they are willing to become involved as far as the lower league Adams Cup and even the regional leagues.

“We are excited that a number of organisations and businesses have been in contact with EP wanting to get involved because they have seen the progress we are making.

“I cannot wait to start working to bring major sponsorships and equity partners to EP for the benefit of our people.

“I am excited, and I will not be sitting on a public platform making these bold statements if I am not convinced we will be bringing a major sponsor, and possibly more than one, to EP in the foreseeable future.

“There has been a lot of engagement behind the scenes.”

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