WPRFU president Zelt Marais says Paul Treu was never in line to replace Gert Smal as director of rugby.

In a podcast interview with Rugby365.com, Marais also revealed that Treu had suggested to the WP Rugby board that a new position be created for him.

‘There was never any intent that Paul Treu will replace Gert Smal as the director of rugby,’ said Marais.’If Smal’s contract comes to an end and the job becomes available, we need to advertise the vacancy in terms of our labour structures. There’ll have to be a recruitment process, so that we give an opportunity to everybody to apply.

‘Paul had discussed [the possibility of] a new role with Gert [and CEO Paul Zacks] and my understanding was that they had approved this position for him [Treu]. The terms of that role has nothing to do with coaching and is completely off the field.

‘The subject is under discussion, but I can assure you, I was never involved in the creation of that vacancy. I at no stage proposed any role for Paul Treu.’

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Marais questioned the professionalism of certain individuals at the union after the contents of what was supposed to be a confidential meeting between the players and the board were leaked to the media.

‘Besides having a proper media release, it’s an offence to talk out of any meeting. One can be fined or jailed for up to 10 years for speaking out of a board meeting. We’re all subject to confidentiality and if we start personalising our issues and leak information to the press, we are going to have a problem going forward.

‘I actually want to know who the source is that said the players threatened to go on strike. At no stage did any player come to me and say they’ll go on strike. I’d love that person to come on air with me and tell me where that rumour came from and who orchestrated it. If you’re prepared to make that statement, you have to at least be able to back it up with some substance.’

Photo: Ziyaad Douglas/Gallo Images