In a joint statement issued by the Blue Bulls Company and Lions Rugby Company late last night, it was announced that they are in advanced negotiations to share their resources. Although no claim was made regarding the effect of the Coronavirus as the main reason for their decision, Mr Patrice Motsepe, a major shareholder in the Blue Bulls Company did confirm that the uncertainties regarding the postponement of the various competitions had its challenges.
Bulls president Willem Strauss and Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli both admitted that some serious sacrifices will have to be made to save both Unions from financial failure. No decisions were made regarding the future roles of mr Strauss and Straueuli.
Although negotiations are still ongoing Mr Altman Ahlers, a majority shareholder in the Lions Rugby Company, was willing to confirm the following:
1) All the administrative staff of the Lions will move their offices to Loftus Versveld. All staff will be offered severance packages to avoid duplication of staff and posts. The security at Ellispark was sited as the main reason for this move.
2) Although both teams will maintain their own identities the senior groups of both franchises will be based at Ellispark. This will ensure that the newly streamlined coaching staff will be able to spend an equal amount of time with both teams.
3) Newly appointed Director of Rugby of the Bulls, Jake White will be appointed Director of Rugby at both Unions.
4) Former Lions Head Coach Johan Ackerman has accepted an offer to become the new Head Coach for both Unions.
5) The junior players of both Unions will be based at Loftus Versveld with mr Nollis Marais appointed as Head Coach for both Unions.
6) A thorough analysis will be made of the coaching staff currently contracted. It is expected that several coaches will be retrenched after Mr Ahlers confirmed that only the best will be offered new packages.
7) In a surprising move, the ex Bulls High-Performance manager Xander Janse van Rensburg was appointed as the new High-Performance Manager at both Unions. Mr Ahlers admitted that this is a big surprise but said that the Bulls' performance with Xander in charge was vital when his appointment was discussed. Mr Ahlers confirmed that Bart Schoeman was the preferred candidate but unfortunately mr Schoeman said he is very excited to be part of the Ruggas.co.za team and is not available at this moment. Mr Ahlers also confirmed that they were not able to better mr Schoeman's salary as paid by Ruggas.co.za.