The Lions rugby union has terminated the services of backline coach, Carlos Spencer, and conditioning coach, Wayne Taylor.
Zeena Isaacs from the Business Day reported that the pair have been given just two week’s wages and a flight back to New Zealand upon being notified of their termination.
The whole episode has left the New Zealand pair incensed given that they were apparently assured 4 weeks ago that their jobs were ‘safe’ by the Lions management following the fall-out from the John Mitchell suspension.
“I received an e-mail saying my contract had been terminated with immediate effect, despite conversations a few weeks ago with the decision-makers in which they said they wanted us (himself and Spencer) to stay,” said Taylor. “I am very disappointed about the manner in which this was handled.”
An incensed Spencer revealed that he had received a tip-off from Taylor on Tuesday night that his head could be on the chopping block and decided to go to the union yesterday to find out where he stood.
“I was basically sent an e-mail to that effect,” said Spencer. “And only a few weeks ago I was told not to worry about my job. They looked me in the eye and said there was nothing to worry about…. I don’t mind being fired, but the way was it was done left a bitter taste.”
Lions president, Kevin de Klerk, however insisted that correct procedures were followed given that there was a clause in their contract which allowed to Lions to terminate their contracts should the team finish last in Super Rugby.
“There was a clause in their contracts that gave us the right to terminate the contracts if the team finished last in Super Rugby, and following lengthy debates we opted to do so,” said De Klerk. “But I have to stress that it was not an easy decision. The board of directors spoke about the matter in detail, and after considering a number of facts and the whole John Mitchell saga, we decided to follow that route.”
De Klerk also defended the manner in which the union informed Taylor and Spencer that their services were no longer required: “We followed the correct procedures in every aspect of the process. It is never pleasant to deliver such news.”
The only remaining member on the coaching staff which started out the 2012 season is Johan Ackermann and it is believed his deputies would be sourced from within the Lions ranks for the Currie Cup season which kicks off next weekend.
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August 2nd, 2012 at 11:26 am
Kak move Lions
Really a kak move.
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:56 am
Reply to DavidS @ 11:26 am: Agre kak move.
Kak way to do business too and does not really say much for the characters in management unless King Carlos’s biceps scared them.
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:57 pm
What are they upset about? They said: “You may fire us we finish last!” They finished last, now they are fired.
If you agree to such a clause at the start then the honourable thing to do when you finish last is to resign.
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Apparently they were paid two weeks’wages and offered tickets back to NZ….classy..
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:08 pm
And they wonder why they end last.
IQ not very common at the Coketin.
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
You give a guy a pile of shit to build a house with.
He builds a house that is shit… and you blame him for it…
As I said… nice one Lions
Especially after telling these guys their jobs are safe.
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:30 pm
These idiots deserved to be out of Super Rugby, This whole team Carlos, Mitchell and Taylor change this team around last year to bring a CC to them and this is how they treat them. Hope they get kick out and the Useless EP get a change at least we know what we can expect from Watson and ANC buddies
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:47 am
Reply to Timeo @ 12:57 pm:
You wouldn’t mind getting an e-mail informing you you are fired?
At least call the guys in and do it face to face. Guess Lions management do not have the balls…
August 3rd, 2012 at 11:39 am
its just bloody saddening. We chase away the few coaches who instill a running game in this country.
Hope old Joshua Strauss is happy now
August 3rd, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Reply to Craven @ 10:47 am:
If I was in their position with that clause in my contract I would have resigned the moment my team finished last.
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:07 pm
I am very very disappointed in the GLRU. How many more people can they fire? Are they aiming to beat some record. Who the hell would want to work for this union? What did this coaching team do after winning the CC to get treated this badly? With all the injuries to so many key players what did management expect will happen in the S15? Who now? Ag nee donner mense … dis pateties hoe hierdie unie operate.