A rugby legacy spanning nearly 60 years is under threat, with Sentraal Rugby Club citing poor facilities, funding challenges and delays in approvals.

The club returned to its historic Glencoe home three years ago after a successful period at Dundee High School, where facilities proved popular with both players and supporters.

However, conditions at the Glencoe sports complex have since deteriorated.

“The changing rooms and clubhouse do not meet rugby standards. There are no showers, no hot water and no facilities for match officials,” said committee member Delmarie Kriel.

She said Sentraal is the only club in the Northern KZN league without such basic amenities.

Kriel added that the infrastructure is in poor condition, with loose tiles, broken doors and damaged facilities.

“We carry out our own repairs at our own cost, even though this is a municipal facility,” she said.

Urgent need to improve facilities

Players often arrive to find blocked or unusable toilets after other sports have used the venue.

“Conditions have been so bad that we have had to clean the facilities ourselves using a fire hose,” she said.

The club has also used its own funds to cut grass, mark the field and repair gates.

In response, Sentraal plans to build its own rugby facilities.

“We submitted our plans more than two years ago, but we are still waiting for municipal approval,” said Kriel.

She said approval would allow the club to secure sponsors and improve match-day facilities, which are currently too limited to support fundraising.

While the Sharks Union provides some funding, Kriel said rising travel costs mean additional income is needed.

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