EP Rugby deputy president Freddi Makoki has paid tribute to Cheeky Watson who's bowing out.
Makoki said that under Watson’s leadership EP rugby had progressed to where it is now.
“Remember that (when we started) we were not participating as a franchise. We also were not participating in the Currie Cup A section. He also got British Lions game here and also brought the Sevens tournament here,” Makoki said.
“The man has done quite good for EP, but as you know that we didn’t have a sponsor as EP and when you participate in those big tournaments that I’m talking about you must have a big sponsor,” he said.
Watson’s resignation comes in the wake of a weekend decision by SA Rugby to return the “administration of the Eastern Province Rugby Union to local hands”
In a statement on Monday, Saru said this followed “a series of ground-breaking decisions at a special general meeting in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.”
“EPRU’s affairs had been placed into the administrative control of SA Rugby – at the union’s invitation – in April 2016 to help regularise the union’s affairs as it faced a number of financial challenges.”
“SA Rugby ensured the union’s playing commitments were fulfilled in conjunction and with the help of the liquidator. SA Rugby continued to work in the background drafting a new pathway and plan for the administration of the Union,” the statement said.
Saru said that a “critical part of that plan was the adoption of a new constitution and executive structure – drafted by SA Rugby – which was passed on Saturday night.”
“The new constitution and structure triggers new elections for office bearers which, once completed, pave the way for SA Rugby to withdraw its administrator and interim chairman.”
“I’d like to commend the Eastern Province rugby community for looking forward and accepting SA Rugby’s proposals. This has been a difficult period for the union but there is now a clear way forward for rugby to restore itself to an even keel,” said Saru president Mark Alexander.
