In a recent article published, the teachers at Zayo Academy named St Alban's College as one of three schools that approached the Zayo players to move to St Alban's.
Interesting, St Alban's has not stated that they do not scout/poach players; however, they state that no Zayo Academy players are currently at Zayo. They did not deny that they scout/poach players.
And then the punchline - "We trust this clarifies the matter. Should these allegations persist, we will have no choice but to refer the matter to our legal representatives."
Siestog.
You can read the article here: "Please Help, They Are Poaching Our Players" - Zayo Academy
Following the publication of the article, Nobuhle Mtshali, the Marketing Manager at St Alban's, sent me the email below.
"Dear Editor,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing regarding an article published today, Monday, 24 November, titled “Please help, they are poaching our players,” in which St Alban’s College was named as one of the schools allegedly involved in poaching players.
I respectfully request the immediate retraction of our school’s name from the article. This reference is not only untrue, but it is also defamatory and places our institution in an unfair and negative light. The implication of “poaching” fundamentally contradicts our sporting ethos and the way we engage with young men and their talents. Our approach is built on integrity, transparency and genuine care for each boy’s development. Any suggestion otherwise is deeply concerning.
We ask that you kindly inform us once this has been rectified. Thereafter, we are open to engaging in a constructive conversation about our ethos, how we support young sportsmen and the values that guide our programme."
To which I replied: "Sir, I did as requested; however, please note that I am well versed in your principal's dream to establish St Alban's as a top rugby school, which included scouting at several rugby tournaments to bolster your available talent.
I am awaiting your reply within 7 days on your rugby programme and stance against poaching, which will be published for the rugby community to comment on. If not, I will put your name back into the article and do a follow-up on the allegations by Zayo academy and several other people who are willing to testify to your actions/poaching."
Yesterday I sent the following mail to mr Mtshali - "As you have not responded, I will publish an article tomorrow which will be clear by our legal team and will not be retracted."
To which mr Mtshali responded:
"Dear Carl
Thank you for your email.
As guided by our school leadership, we are confident in our sporting ethos and processes, which are clearly documented and publicly accessible.
We can confirm that St Alban’s College has never recruited any players from Zayo Academy, nor do we have any current or past students from the academy.
Any suggestion of poaching or misconduct in this regard is therefore entirely unfounded.
We trust this clarifies the matter. Should these allegations persist, we will have no choice but to refer the matter to our legal representatives.
Kind regards"