Eastern Province Rugby Union president Cheeky Watson has survived another motion of no confidence. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

The clubs that wanted Watson out needed 63 votes (a two-thirds majority), but only got 52 while 40 voted against the motion. 

'We are questioning the fact that the executive voted for itself,' Qondakele Sompondo of the Rugby Transformation Coalition told SARugbymag.co.za. 'SA Rugby allowed them to vote even though the constitution states clearly that only the clubs should vote. How can the people who are being voted out get to vote? Nine of their 40 votes came from the executive.

'Another question is why SA Rugby did not invoke clause 28 of its own constitution, which states that when SA Rugby takes over an administration, a provincial executive ceases to exist.'

Sompondo said the Kings' problems would remain as long as Watson stayed president.

'The non-payment of players and staff will continue, and sponsors and possible funders will continue to dry up. No player or coach will join EP as long as that executive is still in power.'

Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images