RETURN OF THE WRONG-SHAPED BALL?

from the Hammersmith Times 28th April 2004

by Dave Evans

Queens Park Rangers could be given another welcome boost to their finances with the news that a South African consortium are planning to bring rugby union back to Loftus Road next season.

However QPR Chief Executive David Davies has revealed this week that the deal is far from cut and dried.

"The South Africans came to us about a couple of months ago to discuss their plans, but a lot of it is obviously in the hands of the RFU," he said this week.

The consortium, headed by former Springbok captain Bobby Skinstad and funded largely by South African businessman Johann Rupert and Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the American football giants Miami Dolphins, are looking to buy out a current rugby union club and relocate them to Shepherds Bush, but they have already been beset by problems.

Their approach to Orrell Rugby Union Club in Liverpool has been turned down while their next choice - Wakefield - have just been relegated to Division Two in the National League, meaning it will be two seasons before the South Africans could play against the Zurich Premiership big boys.

They are confident of success, however: "We've done our homework, we don't believe we're going to waltz in anywhere," said Skinstad this week.

"But at the same time, we can benefit the whole of the English game."

The new team would be called London Tribe and though they will look to attract some English players, it is expected to be made up largely of South Africans and New Zealanders.

First they must find someone willing to sell out to them.

"There are a couple of others involved," he added.

"In fact, any club in the First Division who would be willing to move ground would be a viable option at the moment."

In the meantime Davies is waiting for news. "We are hopeful something will come of it for next season, but nothing has been decided yet," he said.

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