There will be a new SA Rugby Union president in place on October 27 after the governing body called for nominations on Friday.
Long-standing president Oregan Hoskins resigned with immediate effect last week, 18 months before the end of his term, with deputy president Mark Alexander stepping in as the interim president.
“Over recent months we have faced tough challenges and had some tough conversations which have made me think about my role and my future,” Hoskins said in a statement last Wednesday after 10 years in the post.
“Being president of SA Rugby has become a full-time job and with my term due to end in 18 months’ time I decided that, after a decade in the job, it was now time to start the next phase of my career, although I have no firm plans as yet, and allow someone else to take on this important role.”
SA Rugby said on Friday that nominations for a new president will close on Monday, September 26, with a general meeting set for Thursday, October 27 for an election to be held.
There is sure to be serious caucusing taking place until then, with Alexander the likely front-runner to take the president’s chair on a permanent basis due to his experience of the inner workings of Saru.
But other vocal figures in the rugby landscape who could make a bid include Lions boss Kevin de Klerk and Western Province president Thelo Wakefield.
Saru said on Friday that nominees would only be eligible for election if they are members of their provincial unions’ executive committees or boards for more than a year, while members of SA Rugby’s own Executive Committee (Exco) are also able to stand for the position of president.
SA Rugby have also called for nominations for the deputy president – if Alexander moves up – and for the Exco if one of those members take over from Hoskins.
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