EP Players wearing white arm bands
The Eastern Province Kings, for the 3rd time this year, have taken to public protest over unpaid salaries.
The EP Kings matchday 22 wore white armbands in their 27 / 48 Currie Cup loss to the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
This move was in support of non-playing squad members who have to date not received their salaries for the month September.
On 2 occasions this year the players went on strike over unpaid wages – 1st over their June and July wages, which was eventually paid when the South African Rugby Union bailed out the EP Rugby Union, and then against in August.
It is unclear who bailed the EP Rugby Union out the 2nd time.
“We have now placed the EP Kings on terms,” Nyaniso Sam, spokesman for the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA), said.
“We have also requested transparency about their financial situation, as this has a direct impact on the well being of players at the union.
“Furthermore we are in the process of advising the affected players on options they can explore, should they wish, to exercise their legal rights as players.
“Our priority is to ensure our players are in an environment which is conducive to their overall welfare on and off the field.”
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