The End of Newlands
Newlands was once the pride of South African rugby. It is still the oldest, active, Test ground. However, it may soon be consigned to the history books.
Despite vehement denials from Western Province officials, all indications are that the grand old dame’s days are numbered.
Unlike Lansdowne Road, previously the oldest active Test ground in the World, Newlands won’t be refurbished or even given a new name. It looks set to become a business park, with shops and residential units.
The Stormers and Western Province would play their home matches at the purpose built (for the 2010 Soccer World Cup) Cape Town stadium in Green Point.
If the reports (also referred to as rumours), which grow stronger with each passing day, prove to be true, England’s 25-10 win over the Springboks last month was the last Test to be played at the once iconic venue. It also means that when the Stormers host the Sharks on Saturday, July 7, it will be the last Super Rugby game to be played at Newlands. There will be a handful of Currie Cup games left this year.
rugby365 sat down with world acclaimed rugby historian Paul Dobson to speak about the demise of what was once a paragon of success.
@rugby365com
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Everywhere you turn some irish journo is advocating Ireland as the greatest, reasoning that the wc is a 4 year cycle event so, they say wc doesn’t matter it’s the rugby in between that should account for the accolade. If there was no wc then some substance could be gained, however in my opinion the moment that defined Ireland’s fate against the abs was 37 phases of repeated head bashing against a brick wall. If a change in strategy or a tinker with the game plan was executed then things could've been vastly different. And to point a finger the let down was in the hands of the number 10.
Go to commentsI have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.
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