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Former Western Force coach John Mitchell has launched a scathing attack on the South African Rugby Union, saying the decision to allow the Southern Kings into next year's Super Rugby competition was "blackmail".
His outspoken comments will cause more friction in the already strained relationships between the SARU and the Johannesburg-based Lions.
The SARU is scrambling to avoid sacrificing one of its teams after promising the Port Elizabeth-based Kings a side in the Super competition next year.
But this means that one South African team must drop out of the tournament.
The SARU could cut the lowest-placed South African side, currently Mitchell's Lions, or try to get two teams to merge. The Lions and the Cheetahs from Bloemfontein are the likely merger candidates.
These two teams played as one unit, the Cats, in Super Rugby from 1998-2006 but this time neither side is prepared to give up its identity as a single franchise.
After Saturday's 17-11 loss to the Force, Mitchell said the club wanted clarity.
"It would be nice to have some specifics," he said.
"We're sick and tired of all the bull…. and speculation that's going on and clearly we want to know what's happening.
"I just think it's disgusting in actual fact and it's professional blackmail."
Mitchell said it had been difficult for his side to concentrate on the competition with the threat of the axe hanging over them.
"It's been difficult for the boys to not allow it to get to them," he said.
"It's always on everyone's sub-conscious.
"People have got families and partners and wives and must put bread on the table.
"There's no clarity in the situation. I do feel for our group, players and staff.
"When we get back to Johannesburg we'd like to know the scenario that is likely to occur so we can all deal with what we've got to deal with.
"We've got a Currie Cup to attack and retain and we've also got to deal with the now."
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...-of-blackmail/
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