SA Rugby has reportedly threatened to withdraw the Stormers from the upcoming United Rugby Championship if WPRFU president Zelt Marais does not address the issues at the union.

According to a report on Rugby365.com, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander was in direct communication with Marais over the infighting and financial situation at the union.

Marais will face a vote of no confidence on 20 September as he has come under fire for disobeying and acting in direct conflict to the instructions of the joint WPRFU and SA Rugby advisory committee.

SA Rugby has since walked away from the joint committee, and while initially hesitant to do so, the governing body could find itself with little option but to invoke clause 28 of the constitution and place the union under administration.

According to the report, Alexander’s call included a warning that the Stormers could even be replaced by the Cheetahs in the United Rugby Championship if WP continues to be effectively run into the ground.

Given that the URC is set to get kick off on 24 September, it may seem highly unlikely, but SARugbymag.co.za has learned that it is not beyond the realms of possibility.

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