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Rumours of a pitch invasion at the Border Rugby Ground on Friday, ahead of the Border Bulldogs Vodacom Cup match against Western Province were dispelled on Thursday.

However, there's every chance a protest of a similar nature could take place at future Bulldogs matches played there.

The cause of the protest lies with Border Rugby Football Union (BRFU) president Cliffie Pringle, who refuses to step down despite a signed petition against him indicating a vote of no confidence.

Rumours spread thick and fast this week that affiliate members, frustrated that Pringle has refused to meet with them nor step down, had decided the best way to bring attention to their plight was to stage a public protest on Friday.

However spokesperson man for the disgruntled group, Brian Myburgh, said the protest would not go ahead.

"Yes, that type of action was considered at one stage but we decided it was not the right thing to do.

"We decided our interest is purely rugby and therefore we have no wish to hurt the game or the Bulldogs,'' he said.

However one official who did not want to be named said the protest was on hold for now.

"It [the protest] will not go ahead on Friday night but that does not mean it will not happen at a later stage if necessary,'' he said.

Myburgh said it was out of sheer frustration that such a step to highlight their plight had been considered.

"However we are still following up in terms of legal process to have Pringle removed, but it's taking time.

BRFU general manager Leon Botha said he was aware of the situation which he was taking seriously.

"I have already met with the right people regarding added security which will be in place on Friday as I cannot take a chance should the protest go ahead and I will be meeting with them again.

"As general manager I have a responsibility towards the safety of the public, players and officials as they are my responsibility.

"We need to get affiliates and the BRFU executive together under one roof to discuss genuine issues of concern as what is going on now is setting Border Rugby back 10 years.''

Bulldogs coach David Maidza said he was aware of the rumour.

"I don't want to be drawn into off-field matters but from a coaching and player point of view it would be unfair if the game had to suffer.''

Pringle, who was attending a meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday and unavailable for comment, has for some considerable time now been under pressure to stand down following his reluctance to call quarterly special meetings.

In February he again came under pressure at the annual meeting when the 2008 financials were not available in time and he was forced to prematurely close proceedings when the meeting degenerated into a slanging match.

SAPA