The upstart Mzansi Rugby League has doubled down on its challenge to South African rugby’s governing body.
It’s pressing ahead with legal action while unveiling ambitious plans for player welfare and development.
Despite the recent departure of co-founder Renaldo Bothma, the new organisation is pushing forward with its defamation case against the South African Rugby Union and the players’ association, MyPlayers.
“The MRL’s defamation case against Saru and MyPlayers is proceeding,” said Calvin Smith, the league’s co-founder and chief commercial officer to Rugby365.com. “Both defendants are now within their window to file formal pleas. We’ve acted in good faith to resolve the matter privately, but as things stand, no resolution has been reached.”
MORE: Mzansi Rugby League suffers big blow
The MRL filed formal papers in October, accusing Saru and MyPlayers of making false statements aimed at discrediting the competition. The league claims both parties have “delegitimised” the project by warning players not to join and suggesting it is unsafe or unauthorised – allegations the MRL has strongly denied.
While the legal process unfolds, Smith said the organisation’s focus remains on building what it calls “a safer, fairer, and more accessible future” for South African rugby.
This week, the MRL will unveil a new player-welfare and safety framework developed with experts who have worked alongside World Rugby.
“It’s a first for South African sport,” said Smith. “Every coach, referee, medic and player in the MRL will be certified, educated and protected.”
The league will also roll out a Development Partner Programme to reward schools, universities and amateur clubs that produce professional players within its system.
Planned to kick off in 2027, the 16-team competition will span nine provinces and aims to become “the new home for South Africa’s next generation of talent”, offering salaries between R15,000 and R30,000 per month along with full medical aid coverage.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post MRL’s fight with Saru continues appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.