School halts rugby fixture over 'stolen' players row

24 January 2016 - 02:01 By JAN BORNMAN

Two matric rugby players have put the spotlight back on the sports rivalry between top boys' schools in Joburg. Parktown Boys' High has suspended fixtures against King Edward VII (KES) after accusing the Houghton school of violating an anti-poaching agreement following a last-minute transfer of two of its first-team players.Derek Bradley, Parktown Boys' headmaster, has sent a letter notifying parents of the decision."We, as a school, believe that the time has come to make a stand against the continued procurement of players between the boys' schools, either by direct approaches from schools, or through the use of agents," read the letter.The tiff started in September when rumours surfaced that the two boys had been approached by other schools. Both had been at Parktown on full scholarships since Grade 8.It also arranged for them to receive schoolboy contracts from the Golden Lions Rugby Union to stay in Joburg.Bradley reminded all Gauteng boys' schools that they were signatory to the Boys School Charter, which prevented poaching of players. He said he was given an assurance from both boys on December 12 that they would return to Parktown Boys in the new year. However, a day before school started, it was discovered they had enrolled at KES.KES headmaster David Lovatt confirmed the suspension of fixtures, but said the school hoped to resolve the impasse. "We wish to resolve this situation within our present school structures before making any further public statements or otherwise," he said...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.