The Eastern Cape government has donated R4.2-million to keep the beleaguered Border Rugby Union in business.

The BRU was recently forced to closed its offices at the Buffalo City Stadium as it could not afford to pay the R90,000-a-month rent.

As the union has been placed under administration, all its professional teams have been booted out of SA Rugby-affiliated competitions for the next two years.

But a multi-million rand cash injection from the department of sport and recreation in the Eastern Cape will help alleviate the union’s cash crisis and see Border play in this year’s Currie Cup First Division after all.

Former Border administrator and current SA Rugby executive board member Monde Tabata told Rapport the donation is a big boost for the union.

‘It won’t solve all the problems, but the money will go a long way to get the union on its feet and help its talented players to get game time,’ Tabata said. ‘I doubt SA Rugby would reach its transformation targets if Border rugby goes under.

‘I wish the government’s involvement will continue and is not only just a one-off.’

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