The WPRFU’s executive committee overruled the WP Rugby board’s decision to implement an exit strategy for Paul Treu.

WPRFU president Zelt Marais wants Treu to replace Gert Smal as director of rugby when the latter’s contract expires in October, but the Stormers players are against the prospective appointment and met with WP Rugby officials last Monday to convey their grievances. It is believed the players threatened to strike if Marais followed through with his plan to promote Treu.

According to the Sunday Times, this led the board to come to a decision on Tuesday to implement an exit strategy for Treu. But on Wednesday, the executive committee, which falls under the amateur arm, overruled the board’s decision and demanded that Treu stay on at the union.

Meanwhile, a group of former players, under the leadership of Corné Krige, has been commissioned to look into the union’s infighting following increased reports of animosity between the players and a faction of high-ranked administrators.

According to Rapport, Krige and several other concerned ex-Stormers and Western Province players have been tasked to gather factual information from all parties involved before making public any findings or giving a verdict on the saga.

The union, under the leadership of Marais, is reportedly openly undermining its business arm, which is under the leadership of CEO Paul Zacks.

Zacks and Marais are also believed to be at loggerheads. Both have an office at Newlands, but barely speak to each other.

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