Western Province Rugby Union has confirmed its determination to proceed with the proposed sale of Newlands Stadium, stating that the effort to get it designated a heritage site is merely a stalling tactic.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the WPRU stated that the sale of Newlands Stadium is essential to the sport’s continued viability.
Western Province Rugby began a new chapter at Cape Town Stadium with the start of the 2021 season, following the approval of a binding heads of agreement between the City of Cape Town, Cape Town Stadium, and WPR by the City’s Council in 2019.
Western Province Rugby has spent the past three years finalizing the sale of Newlands Stadium, which has ceased to be a rugby site because it is no longer certified to host matches.
When Western Province Rugby was placed under administration by SARU in October 2021, one of Rian Oberholzer’s primary responsibilities was to finalize the sale of Newlands Stadium.
The latest impediment to achieving this objective is the plan to designate the stadium as a historic landmark.
Oberholzer has made it abundantly clear that a great deal is at stake given that this issue will soon be presented for public comment.
“The sale of Newlands Stadium is crucial to the long-term viability of Western Province Rugby.”
“The plan to designate the stadium as a historic landmark has the potential to destroy so much hard work that has been put into stabilizing WP Rugby on and off the field.
“We have consulted a heritage specialist who is confident that Newlands Stadium does not qualify as a heritage site, but the outcome of the proposal will also be determined by the forthcoming public participation process,” he said.
Three years ago, the WPRFU’s General Council voted and agreed that the professional teams will play their rugby at Cape Town Stadium, according to Danny Jones, general manager of amateur rugby for the WPRU.
When it was determined that our professional rugby teams would play at the Cape Town Stadium, all of the WPRFU’s appropriate procedures were followed.
“Newlands Stadium cannot be used to host rugby matches at this time, but its sale remains crucial to the future of Western Province Rugby, and we hope that all stakeholders will do their utmost to ensure that this occurs,” he said.
Additionally, home advantage in the Round of 16 is up for grabs in the Champions Cup.
The Newlands Rugby Stadium will be sold.
»Why WP are pressing for the sale of Newlands, after it ceased to be a rugby venue«