PORT ELIZABETH - EMBATTLED EP RUGBY UNION ELECTS BUSINESSMAN ANDRE RADERMAN AS PRESIDENT

The Eastern Cape Rugby Union has elected new leadership. Local businessman Andre Rademan has been elected as the president of the union.

The union had been placed under the administrative control of SA Rugby, facing number of financial challenges including sponsorship.

Rademan has a massive task of getting the cash strapped union back on its feet.

EPRU has been under administration since 2016 and the resignation of former President Cheeky Watson’s was also a blow.

To add insult to injury, Watson was also arrested on money laundering charges. But the new leadership believes a wave of change will restore EP rugby to its former glory.

The union is under liquidation with R18 million owing in unpaid players’ salaries.

SARU administration's Monde Tabata says: "Speaking about the issues of EPRU, they were cash strapped and I am confident the new appointments will be beneficial in picking it up from the ground."

The new Union consists of four additional members, including new deputy president Bantwini Matika, and vice president Elridge (Chico) Februarie.

The newly elected executive is highly favoured for the turnaround strategy.

Despite a number of achievements under the eight year tenor of former president Cheeky Watson, EP Rugby has seen its fair share of power struggles.

The new leadership are wasting no time and will meet to address their woes but the first task is restoring sponsor confidence in the union.