Springboks unlikely to follow Kiwis lead
February 1, 2001

The South African Rugby Football Union (Sarfu) are unlikely to follow their New Zealand counterparts' lead by proposing a review of the International Rugby Board's tours agreement.

The New Zealanders on Wednesday suggested that they would ask the IRB to review its rules to allow touring All Black teams a slice of the ticket sales. They argued that the drawing power of their team was bigger than most and thus led to more people passing through the gates.

As the agreement currently stands, the host union pays for all the touring team's accommodation, but then gets to keep all the money generated through ticket sales.

But Sarfu's manager of administration and finances Ivor Bloom confirmed South Africa would not join New Zealand in challenging the agreement. "Sarfu is in a very sound financial position but we need that money (from tours to SA) to balance costs," he was quoted in the Business Day.

"In South Africa, the provincial unions take all the gate money after providing guarantees to Sarfu to host a Test.

"For example, Western Province and the Blue Bulls will host the Tests against France this season, and they (are each) guaranteed R4.8 million, while Eastern Province is guaranteed about R500 000 to host the Test against Italy.

"Also, the provinces, and not Sarfu, determine the price of Test tickets," he added.

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