The Golden Lions Rugby Union received notification this morning via social networking website
www.twitter.com that a rumour has been circulating that the Golden Lions Rugby Union are bankrupt and can only afford to pay their players’ salaries until the end of the month.
The initial rumours, circulated via an individual’s blog website stated that the information was received from a “reliable source”, but would not name the source.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union would like to reiterate the comments that “they are malicious rumours” made on Twitter in response to numerous queries from supporters.
”Statements such as those made by this individual are incredibly damaging as they create an unnecessary sense of unease and panic amongst those within the Union structures. We will not tolerate this and are seeking legal advice”, President of the GLRU Mr. Kevin de Klerk said.
Further statements in this individual’s blog stated ‘given that the Lions have been in financial poo for a while, I can well believe this news. After all the previous investors did not pull out of the deal without reason…’
”The relationship with the previous equity partners did not work out, but the matter was closed on 28 June 2011 and we will not rehash or reopen that discussion”, de Klerk said.
The closing line of the article states ‘that John Mitchell and his team performed despite this is the amazing, yet slightly sad, side to the story’.
The fact of the matter is that the team performed so well due to the stability and continuity experienced within the Lions. The coaching staff and players received support from management and administrators in every way possible, and the results speak for themselves.
”The new equity partners, in conjunction with the existing management, have made numerous changes within the Union’s structures and we are in a better position at the moment than we have been in quite some time. The Union is growing in both strength and stature and rumours such as these started by one individual can potentially undo much of the good work done over the past few months.
”This matter is now considered closed and until we have had formal discussions with our legal team on the way forward, we will not be commenting any further”, Mr. de Klerk concluded.
