It's not a case of asking permission. We have to inform them (the IRB) and I've done that verbally and I've also sent a letter.
I can understand that some unions have frustrations and they have to be addressed, but you can't keep everyone happy.
The Cheetahs will make their debut this year and we are confident that they, like the four other participants, will do us proud.
Rugby is not a difficult sport to manage. I am confident that we have the people to manage it and I am also happy that we know where we are going.
The last thing we want to see is one of your bigger unions eventually closing their doors. As much as we have a responsibility to the Spears, we have a responsibility to the bigger unions.
There will always be people who have that opinion, but it is important that SA Rugby starts clean and moves forward in a positive manner.
The matter will be discussed. I don't want to say a decision about the Spears will be taken, but I doubt it. In all probability, a decision will not be taken now because we must first visit the Spears.
It is not to say that we have done an about-turn. We can't just take the Spears and throw them into the deep water.
