SPORT: Highlanders in talks with Pumas union

Highlanders III will remain in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Third Division.

December 3, 2017

Bruce Douglas 2 minutes read

Highlanders management met with heads of Mpumalanga's Pumas Rugby Union to discuss new developments on the club rugby front.

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Given a reduction in funding from the Sharks as of 2018, and relegation from the Premier Division this year, Boschpick Highlanders‘ management is seeking alternatives to a less-than-ideal situation.

This prompted a meeting with the Pumas Rugby Union (PRU) earlier this month.

According to Highlanders Head Coach, Andre Swanepoel, the meeting dealt with a possible move by Highlanders, on loan to Mpumalanga’s rugby union from the Sharks.

Present at the meeting were Pumas top brass and local management.

“Present were Hein Mentz, PRU President, Roelof Kotze, Manager of Amateur Rugby for PRU and Highveld Rugby President, Riaan Kotze,” explained Swanepoel.

After hours of negotiation, it was agreed in principle to accept Highlanders into the Mpumalanga Premier Division, joining clubs such as Secunda, Witbank, Middelburg and Nelspruit.

Highlanders III will remain in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Third Division.

The move could see the remainder of Highlanders clubs featuring in matches in Mpumalanga, including the under-20 side.

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“The exciting thing is that the PRU decided to invest in an under-20 league next year, and will select a team from these players. Our boys will have a great opportunity to be selected for the Pumas under-20 team.”

If the move is approved across the board, Highlanders will play on a home and away basis, and a possible Pumas challenge match could feature in Newcastle as it did in 2016.

However, Sharks management still had to make its determination.

On November 13, high-level management of the Sharks attended the NKZN Rugby Sub Union AGM in Newcastle, including Sharks President, Francois Louis.

During this meeting, Highlanders tabled its proposal to loan out to PRU.

Although this was met with positivity by Sharks leadership, it was requested Highlanders submit the proposal in writing to the union’s council.

This was duly submitted on November 27.

“We now await the outcome from the council, to be discussed on December 1 in Durban. There will be some challenges but until we receive feedback we can only wait.”

For now, the 2018 rugby season will begin on January 11.

Club trials will be held at the end of February and Highlanders management hoped to play three friendlies during March.