Southern-Pirates merger possibility

Jess Tuhega.
Jess Tuhega.
Southern-Pirates - has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Rumours Southern and Pirates may eventually merge gained credibility yesterday with Pirates chairman Jess Tuhega confirming the idea had been discussed at committee level.

Pirates was forced to pull out of the premier grade this season and has dropped from five to two senior teams this year. While its junior club remains strong, Pirates' committee is open to the idea of a future amalgamation with Southern.

''It is something that we have been discussing,'' Tuhega said.

''It has all been informal and there are no formal approaches at this stage. I guess it is just a matter of seeing the season out and seeing where all the clubs in Dunedin sit.''

Tuhega said the departure of three senior teams had been partly offset by the junior club ''stepping up'' and embracing club life.

But financially the club was under more pressure. It was not selling as much product over the bar and its revenue from subscriptions was down.

''Our committee are very receptive to change because we can see what is happening on the rugby front as a whole in Dunedin. If you are not prepared to change, you could almost be looking at shutting the doors.

''You have to evolve. It is one of the key things the Otago Rugby Union and the clubs need to look at.''

Tuhega said there was a natural affinity between Pirates and Southern. They were both southern Dunedin clubs and enjoyed a good relationship. That was evident when Pirates premiers folded this season and many of its best players elected to join Southern.

''Nothing has been ruled out or set in concrete - whether or not we amalgamate or whether or not we stay as a division two club or even try to get our premier side back.''

Southern chairman Blair Crawford said his club was open to an approach from Pirates.

''I suppose as a club you are always open to the future,'' Crawford said.

''You cannot always think that things will stay the same, so I think the ball is in Pirates' court.

''In my view we are a strong club but, like everything, you can't just say we will always be a strong club. Times are changing and we have to look at options.''

Southern leads the premier competition this season but its premier two team has dropped out of its grade and the club could benefit from an amalgamation with Pirates.

''The numbers just aren't there that were there five years ago,'' Crawford said, adding he believed the premier competition would eventually drop to eight teams.

''Clubs can probably survive but they might not necessarily play in premier rugby. I just think the [lack of] depth will eventually catch up with a team or two.''

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