RUPA President Dean Mumm says players simply want an end to the 'anxiety' brought about by the Super Rugby saga, after supporting a move for an EGM on Wednesday.
The players’ body threw its support behind a VRU move for an EGM on Wednesday, with the ARU responding with an intent to organise a meeting of ‘major stakeholders’ within the next week, likely early next week.
Mumm, whose board voted unanimously for the action, said anxiety from months of speculation had reached a breaking point.
“In terms of performance, it’s a huge element to have an understanding of what’s going on and how you go forward,” he said.
“There’s certainly no excuse as to what’s been going on as the collective, in terms of performance across all teams, but those guys in that situation, anxiety doesn’t help you perform.”
RUPA’s vote came on the same day that players’ association was lashed by Rebels assistant Morgan Turinui for its inaction during a ‘debilitating’ time for the club.
Mumm said the lingering timeframe had forced their hand.
“We, as the players, are the people standing to lose the most out of this,” he said.
“As it stands there’s a team either the rebels or the force, people are going to lose their livelihoods. It’s important that these guys get some clarity.
“These people want to understand where they’re going to be what they’re going to be doing. If it’s not going to be here, when it comes to time in Europe, those contracts are largely done.
“I really feel for the guys in the situation.”
Regardless of the result of next week’s meeting, Mumm said RUPA were still keen to push ahead with an EGM, which requires 21 days’ notice.
While RUPA and the VRU haven’t stated publicly any intent to move a vote of no confidence in the board, an EGM allows that opportunity, with votes able to occur.
“I think you can influence the timeline in the sense that this general meeting has to be within 21 days,” he said.
“Cameron has come out and said he’d like to get a meeting of certain stakeholders within that time.
“We’d love to see a full general meeting involving all stakeholders in the next 21 days and hence why we took that action yesterday.”
The three-weeks' notice, if given in the immediate future, means the EGM could potentially be held in the middle of the Wallabies June Series, which starts on June 10, though Mumm said he didn't think it would create a cloud over players in camp.
"I’d like to think those guys that are involved in a Wallabies campaign and a Wallabies jersey can put anything aside and represent their country with the pride that it deserves," he said.
"I don’t think it should take a shine off the Test series."
Even if all stakeholders are satisfied with the information at next week’s meeting, Mumm said there would be no shift in their stance on the need for five teams.
