Former Stormers back Gio Aplon has questioned the process of involving ex-players in investigating the alleged WP Rugby power struggle.
Corné Krige and several other concerned ex-Stormers and Western Province players have reportedly been commissioned to look into the conflict following increased reports of animosity and infighting at the union, as well as a suggested power struggle between the WPRFU executive committee and WP Rugby board.
On Monday, Aplon, who played 180 games for WP and the Stormers, sent out a series of tweets calling for an independent investigation that wouldn’t incur any questions over impartiality.
There is no doubt @CorneKrige6 cares a lot about WP Rugby,as a lot of us do,but should He spearhead an operation into the Current affairs of WP Rugby?is He the appropriate candidate? #justasking #forthebestofWPrugby #concernedsupporter
— Gio Aplon (@1GioAplon) February 4, 2019
When asked by Rob Louw, another former WP legend, who he would recommend to lead the operation, Aplon responded with the following tweet:
Hey Uncle Rob to be honest I can’t think of anyone cause a lot of the ex players either played or was Coached by all the individuals involve so my only question is what is the purpose of the operation if there is already conflict of interest either way?
— Gio Aplon (@1GioAplon) February 4, 2019
Krige himself responded to Aplon, saying he has no hidden agenda, just genuine concern for the union.
Hi Gio thanks for making a valid point. I don’t want to or need to spearhead any action from ex WP players. Tell me who you thing should be the spokesperson and I will gladly meet them and assist? No individual, no politics, no malice. Just genuine concern. https://t.co/gN5FBMmuzp
— CorneKrige (@CorneKrige6) February 4, 2019
Aplon responded to insist that his issue was not with Krige, but the nature of the process.
Hey Corne just to make it clear my concern is the process and not the individual but unfortunately you name was mentioned and I stick by what I said. Like I said what is the purpose of the action?I can’t think of any ex player that doesn’t have conflict
— Gio Aplon (@1GioAplon) February 4, 2019
Krige refused to comment further on the matter when asked by Netwerk24, saying he just wants to help.
‘I don’t actually want to say anything regarding this matter now. We are not out to fight with or antagonise anyone. We really just want to help,’ he said.
Another former Stormers player, Juan de Jongh, also weighed in to suggest that ‘impartiality is key’.
Totally agree Gio!! #WpJouLekkerDing runs in our blood & we all love the hoops _ but impartiality is key ? #Future #Generations #TooMuchLoveAndCare ?? https://t.co/S1cGSdsvoz
— Juan_De_Jongh (@JuanDeJongh) February 4, 2019
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
