Border has been restored to full membership of the South African Rugby Union following an extended period of administrative control by the mother body.

Border was suspended from membership in October 2018 because of its dire financial position and on-going administration issues. An administrator was appointed, and the union’s voting rights were suspended during the period of administration.

SA Rugby confirmed on Tuesday that the suspension had been lifted and the administrative control would cease at the end of the year.

“The administrative period was extended by the impact of the pandemic and although the union faces ongoing financial challenges – like all our members – the time was right to hand control back to the people of Border,” said Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.

“We trust the union’s new leadership to display high standards of corporate governance to allow rugby to flourish in the region under local guidance.”