CAPE TOWN // The South African Rugby Union says it expects to announce details of its rescue plans for the Southern Kings early next week after the Super Rugby franchise’s preparations for the 2016 season were thrown into turmoil by a cash crisis.
The Port Elizabeth-based team are to be the sixth South African side in the expanded 18-team competition having previously competed for a single season in 2013.
But a financial crisis within Eastern Province Rugby, the union that controls the franchise, has seen a number of players break their contracts over non-payment of salaries and move to other teams.
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This has prompted SARU to step in and take administrative control of the side and they revealed that following a planning meeting on Wednesday they are confident the team will be ready for their Super Rugby return.
“We have made major progress in preparing an implementation plan for the Super Rugby franchise,” SARU CEO Jurie Roux said in a statement.
“We have addressed issues around on-field and off-field structures and preparations, and are now moving through our governance and communication processes with stakeholders.
“I expect that process to be completed by early next week - after we have informed the SARU Exco - after which time we will be able to reveal all the details to the rugby public of Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape.
“We know the franchise has been slow out of the blocks but there was a spring in everyone’s step at the conclusion of today’s meeting. We’re optimistic about the road ahead.”
The Kings have yet to finalise their coaching team for the new season, and have already lost captain Tim Whitehead, prop Lizo Gqoboka and wing Luther Obi, the latter duo to the Bulls, who are also said to be in talks with Sylvian Mahuza, Thembelani Bholi and Tim Agaba.
The Kings are due to open their Super Rugby season against the Sharks in Port Elizabeth on Feb. 27.
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What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE
The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.
"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."
Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.
"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.
As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general.
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
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THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley