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Former Western Province Rugby Union president Thelo Wakefield says the union’s leaders have to accept responsibility for its downfall into administration.

Two weeks ago, SA Rugby assumed administrative control of the WPRU, which controls 100% of their commercial arm, Western Province Professional Rugby.

Experienced former SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer was appointed as an administrator and has assumed oversight of the union’s affairs.

The decision was made as Western Province were reportedly on the brink of a financial collapse, facing liquidation and forfeiting their assets worth millions.

Zelt Marais, who succeeded Wakefield as WPRU president,  has been accused of deliberately stalling potential equity deals – with MVM Holdings, who have invested in the Sharks, and an unnamed Hong Kong-based firm – for the past six months and of centralising all power in his position.

Wakefield told Sport24that poor decision-making and a lack of leadership have led the WPRU to this